10 Best Colored Pencils in the Philippines 2026 | Prismacolor, Faber Castell, and More
Colored pencils have evolved from the basic set to sets of different types and consistencies. All of these can be very confusing, especially for beginner colorists. To help you navigate this wonderful world of colors, we have prepared a buying guide and a list of the top 10 recommended items. We'll also share some tips to keep in mind when you use your pencils.
Quick List - Top Colored Pencils
Faber-Castell
Classic Colors, Smooth Application, Break-Resistant Design
Brutfuner
Designed for Vibrant Coloring and Easy Blending
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How to Choose Colored Pencils – Buying Guide
Here's a discussion of the different types of colored pencils and how to know which one is best for you to get you started. We hope this guide will help you narrow down your options and make a really great purchase that fits you.
Choose the Type that Best Fits Your Needs
There are three types of colored pencils: wax-based, oil-based, and watercolor. Each type has its own characteristics, so choose one depending on your needs.
Wax-Based: A Low-Cost and Versatile Option
Wax-based colored pencils have wax as the binder for their pigments. They are the most common type of colored pencils in the market due to their cost and versatility, making them the perfect choice for beginners. They can cover a wide range of grades, from the kinds used by children to the more sophisticated versions used in art schools.
Wax-based pencils make lighter marks on paper compared to the other types. They are also prone to wax bloom, a natural oxidation process that occurs in wax-based materials. This results in a hazy white film developing over the surface of the drawing.
Oil-Based: Vibrant Color and Great for Blending
Oil-based colored pencils have oil as the binder for their pigments. They are much more specialized than wax-based pencils and require some skill to use effectively because they smear easily. They are highly-pigmented, and each stroke you make will lay down a vibrant mark.
The smooth blending that comes with an oil-based colored pencil makes it a joy to use and will make your work look more sophisticated. They are also softer than watercolor pencils, which makes for easier color layering. They are very versatile and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
However, the high pigmentation and the better finish it gives makes it a more expensive choice than wax-based pencils. And you must be careful not to make mistakes, too – oil-based pencil marks are not easy to erase, and you will need a special blur tool to do so.
Watercolor: Drawing and Painting Medium in One
The best feature of watercolor pencils is that it is water-soluble, making it easier to blend. It doesn’t require a blurring tool like the oil-based ones – all you need is a wet watercolor brush, and you can make gradations with it. The lead is usually hard, making it easier to draw details and fine lines like eyelashes or cat’s fur.
The beauty of watercolor pencils lies in their dual purpose. It’s a drawing medium and a painting medium in one. You can choose to color a drawing and leave it as it is, and because it has no wax in it, you won’t have to worry about waxy films on your drawing. Alternatively, you can activate the color with a brush and turn it into a soft, watercolor look.
The downside is that they have lower pigmentation than oil-based pencils and can be trickier for beginners to use. It requires more patience since you have to add more layers to make the colors more vibrant.
Start With a Simple Set and Add Colors as You Level Up
Colored pencils come in sets of 12, 24, 36, with some sets reaching up to 100 colors or more. It is best to check your needs and level before committing to a purchase. For a child’s coloring book, a 12-color set might be good enough, but for adults’ coloring books, a 36-color set might be better in order to express subtle and delicate shades.
Sets of more than 36 colors are bigger and harder to bring along. For beginners and for those who plan to sketch outside, it will be best to choose a 36-color set. If you find yourself looking for more colors, then perhaps that is the time to make a bigger purchase.
Try Single Pencils First to Test Color and Softness
Colored pencil cores can be hard, medium, and soft. The hard ones have less pigmentation but are good for drawing fine lines, so we recommend these for detailed coloring/sketching. Soft-core pencils are more vibrant and are great for coloring a wide area, though they tend to shed pigment powder.
You need to keep in mind, though, that these factors will be dependent on your pen pressure or coloring style, so the lead softness is just your guide.
Having said that, it is best to test them out first before purchasing them, but it is rare to find colored pencils that may be tested. If there are products sold separately, try buying just one and test them out before purchasing a set to make sure it matches your style.
Look for Products With Open Stocks
One problem with colored pencil sets is that some will be used more often and become shorter more quickly than the others. The solution to this is to choose brands that sell pencils separately so you can just buy the colors that you need instead of purchasing another whole set.
You can choose single pencils from other brands too, but for those who find the small differences in pigmentation and lead softness uncomfortable, we suggest buying a set from a brand that sells single colored pencils.
10 Best Colored Pencils to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Grade | Open Stock | |||||
1 | Faber Castell Polychromos｜Set of 24 | | Vibrant Oil-Based Colors With Durable Quality | Oil-Based | Artist | ||
2 | Faber-Castell Classic Colour Pencils ｜Set of 48 | | Classic Colors, Smooth Application, Break-Resistant Design | Wax-Based | Student | ||
3 | Derwent Academy Watercolour Pencils｜Set of 12 | | Pencil Precision Meets Creative Versatility | Watercolor | Student | ||
4 | Brutfuner Professional Oil Colored Pencils｜Set of 72 | | Designed for Vibrant Coloring and Easy Blending | Oil-Based | unknown | ||
5 | Prismacolor Watercolor Pencils｜Set of 12 | | Creative Expression With Versatile Colors | Watercolor | unknown | ||
6 | Staedtler Karat Aquarell 125 Watercolor Pencils｜Set of 12 | | Explore Watercolor Effects With Ease | Watercolor | Artist | ||
7 | Faber-Castell Goldfaber Colour Pencils｜Set of 48 | | Consistent and Vibrant Student-Grade Quality | Wax-Based | Student | ||
8 | Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Pencils | | Vibrant Oil-Based Colors for Smooth Layering | Oil-Based | unknown | ||
9 | Holbein Artist Colored Pencil｜Set of 50 | | Smooth, Professional-Grade Performance from Japan | Oil-Based | Artist | ||
10 | Marco Renoir Fine Art Colored Pencils｜Set of 120 | | Expressive Hues With Effortless Blending | Oil-Based | Artist | ||
Faber CastellPolychromos ｜ Set of 24
Vibrant Oil-Based Colors With Durable Quality
- Oil-based cores with resin to prevent breaking, ensuring long-lasting use
- High pigment saturation for vivid, consistent color application
- Excellent lightfastness keeps colors bright and fade-resistant over time
- Comes in a 24-color set housed in a sturdy metal case for easy storage and portability
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the vibrant and highly pigmented colors that blend smoothly and maintain their brilliance. The durability of the pencil cores and the ease of sharpening are often highlighted positively. Some users note the premium price but agree that the quality justifies the cost for professional or serious hobbyist use.
| Type | Oil-Based |
|---|---|
| Grade | Artist |
| Open Stock |
Classic Colors, Smooth Application, Break-Resistant Design
- 48 vibrant and rich colors provide a wide variety for creative projects
- 3.3 mm thick, non-toxic color leads ensure smooth and safe coloring experience
- SV bonding technology reduces lead breakage for durability during use
- Hexagonal shape offers a comfortable grip for better control in drawing or coloring
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the vibrant pigmentation and smooth application of the color pencils, noting that they produce rich and bright colors. Many find the pencils comfortable to hold due to the hexagonal shape, which helps in prolonged use without discomfort. Some reviews mention occasional lead breakage but overall they view the product as good value for school and art use.
| Type | Wax-Based |
|---|---|
| Grade | Student |
| Open Stock |
Pencil Precision Meets Creative Versatility
- Versatile use dry or wet for detailed drawings or fluid watercolor wash effects, allowing creative flexibility
- Rich pigments dissolve and blend easily to create a wide spectrum of shades, enhancing color vibrancy
- Hexagon-shaped barrel offers better control and precision for comfortable drawing and painting
- Thicker 3.3 mm core delivers bright color laydown and durability suited for beginners and classroom use
Reviews mention:
Users often praise the smooth color laydown and ease of blending both dry and wet applications, highlighting the rich pigmentation and bright colors. Some note the pencils can be harder than expected with pigmentation varying across colors, but they are generally regarded as excellent for beginners exploring watercolor pencil techniques. A few users mention some colors may be fugitive and color gaps exist in smaller sets, but the pencils still perform well for studies and creative expression.
| Type | Watercolor |
|---|---|
| Grade | Student |
| Open Stock |
Designed for Vibrant Coloring and Easy Blending
- Oil-based pigment cores provide smooth, vibrant colors for rich artwork
- Wide color range options from 48 to 520 pencils to suit various artistic needs
- Durable, easy-to-sharpen pencils strong enough to resist breakage during use
- Suitable for sketching, coloring books, drawing, and layering techniques
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the pencils for their smooth application, vibrant colors, and good blendability, making them great for beginners and experienced artists. Some note a slight waxy feel on certain pencil types but generally find the quality impressive for the price. Customers also like the variety of colors available, though a few wished for clearer color labeling or more consistent packaging. Overall, the pencils are seen as affordable, good quality art supplies for creative projects.
| Type | Oil-Based |
|---|---|
| Grade | unknown |
| Open Stock |
Creative Expression With Versatile Colors
- Water-soluble cores allow smooth blending and flowing liquid effects when paired with a brush
- Richly saturated, lightfast pigments provide vibrant and lasting color
- Dual use for wet watercolor techniques or dry sketching to match the Prism color palette
- Comes in a convenient 12-color tin for easy organization and portability
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the rich color payoff and smooth solubility that enhances their watercolor projects. Many highlight how the pencils work well for adult coloring books and creative sketches alike. Some users suggest that the set could include more color variety for expanded artistic options.
| Type | Watercolor |
|---|---|
| Grade | unknown |
| Open Stock |
StaedtlerKarat Aquarell 125 Watercolor Pencils ｜ Set of 12
Explore Watercolor Effects With Ease
- High-quality, break-resistant lead delivers rich pigment for vibrant color application
- Classic hexagonal shape offers a comfortable grip and precise control
- Dual use for dry drawing and wet watercolor effects with excellent blending capacity
- Wood sourced from FSC-certified, sustainably managed forests ensures eco-friendliness
Reviews mention:
Users consistently highlight the smooth color laydown and strong pigmentation of these pencils, appreciating their versatility in both dry and water-blended techniques. Many commend the durable construction and break-resistant lead, making them reliable for professional use. Some note that while the colors blend beautifully when wet, the pencils perform well as dry media too, meeting diverse artistic needs.
| Type | Watercolor |
|---|---|
| Grade | Artist |
| Open Stock |
Faber-CastellGoldfaber Colour Pencils ｜ Set of 48
Consistent and Vibrant Student-Grade Quality
- High-quality wax core with patented bonding for strength and creamy texture, allowing smooth color application
- Set includes 48 vibrant colors with a good balance of greens and blues, suitable for various artistic needs
- Durable round barrel design for comfortable grip and ease of use during extended drawing sessions
- Packed in a metal tin for organized storage and portability
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the smooth and creamy feel of the pencils and the unexpectedly good color intensity for student-grade pencils. Many praise the strong cores that resist breakage while applying color. Some users note that the colors can be less vivid compared to higher-end sets, and layering may lead to a waxy bloom that needs buffing, which can affect layering. A few also mentioned limited darker and natural tones, requiring supplemental colors for full-range projects.
| Type | Wax-Based |
|---|---|
| Grade | Student |
| Open Stock |
LyraRembrandt Polycolor Pencils
Vibrant Oil-Based Colors for Smooth Layering
- Oil-based 4 mm core with rich pigmentation for bold, vibrant colors
- Smooth application with easy blending and layering to create unique hues
- Lacquered cedarwood casing for durability and a comfortable grip
- Highly lightfast colors ensuring long-lasting artwork without fading
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the vibrant pigmentation and smooth color laydown, praising these pencils for their excellent layering and blending capabilities. Many highlight the product's versatility on various surfaces, including paper and wood, and commend the durable cedar casing. Some users note that the pencils require a bit more pressure and occasionally experience lead breakage, but overall find them a worthy choice for artists at a reasonable price point.
| Type | Oil-Based |
|---|---|
| Grade | unknown |
| Open Stock |
Smooth, Professional-Grade Performance from Japan
- Soft, buttery texture for effortless drawing and blending
- Thick 3.8 mm lead core for rich, vibrant color application
- Wide range of 50 colors offering versatile artistic options
- High pigment quality ensures lasting lightfast performance
Reviews mention:
Users praise the pencils for their smooth application, vibrant color saturation, and excellent blending capabilities. Many highlight the premium feel and suitability for professional art. Some note concerns about the product's relatively high price and limited public lightfastness data but appreciate the quality for serious artists. Overall, the set is recommended for those seeking a rich, versatile colored pencil experience.
| Type | Oil-Based |
|---|---|
| Grade | Artist |
| Open Stock |
Marco RenoirFine Art Colored Pencils ｜ Set of 120
Expressive Hues With Effortless Blending
- Oil-based core delivers rich, smooth color application with minimal effort
- Quality cedar wood body ensures durability and easy sharpening
- 120-color range offers extensive blending and layering possibilities
- Comes in a sturdy tin case for organized, portable storage
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the pencils’ vivid pigments, smooth blending performance, and comfortable feel during long drawing sessions. Many say the set provides great value for its quality and color selection. A few note that the pencils may leave small crumbs under heavy pressure and wish for better lightfast labeling on the packaging.
| Type | Oil-Based |
|---|---|
| Grade | Artist |
| Open Stock |
Want to Explore Your Creative Side?
There is so much you can do with your free time. If you want to get really artsy and get into drawing and painting, here are some articles we’re sure you’ll love.
Top 5 Colored Pencils
No. 1: Faber Castell｜Polychromos｜Set of 24
No. 2: Faber-Castell｜Classic Colour Pencils ｜Set of 48
No. 3: Derwent｜Academy Watercolour Pencils｜Set of 12
No. 4: Brutfuner｜Professional Oil Colored Pencils｜Set of 72
No. 5: Prismacolor｜Watercolor Pencils｜Set of 12
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.