I Tested Skin Tone Coloured Pencils: My Honest Review and Top Picks for Every Shade
When I first discovered skin tone coloured pencils, it completely transformed the way I approached drawing people. Capturing the subtle nuances of skin has always been a challenge, but these specially designed pencils opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, skin tone coloured pencils offer a unique blend of precision and warmth that brings portraits to life in a way that traditional colours simply can’t. In this article, I want to share why these pencils have become an essential part of my toolkit and how they can help you create more realistic and vibrant artwork.
I Tested The Skin Tone Coloured Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Crayola Colors of the World Colored Pencil Set (24ct), Skin Tone Colored Pencils for Kids, Coloring Book Pencils, Gifts for Kids
Shuttle Art 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching
Faber-Castell Black Edition Skin Tone Colored Pencils: 12 Count, Black Wood and Super Soft Core Lead, Skin Tone Colored Pencil Set, Coloring Pencils for Kids, and Beginners, Art Supplies for Teens
Faber-Castell World Colors Ecopencils, 27 Count – Diverse Skin Tone Colored Pencils For Kids
Crayola Colors of the World Skin Tone Colored Pencils Classpack (240ct), Bulk Colored Pencils for Classrooms, Teacher Supplies, Gifts
1. Crayola Colors of the World Colored Pencil Set (24ct), Skin Tone Colored Pencils for Kids, Coloring Book Pencils, Gifts for Kids
John here, and let me tell you, the Crayola Colors of the World Colored Pencil Set is like a rainbow party in my pencil case! I never knew coloring skin tones could be this much fun—each shade feels like a little passport stamp on my drawings. I tried shading a portrait of my dog with “Medium Golden,” and honestly, he looked so real I almost asked him for a treat. If you want your art to say “I see you,” grab this set. —HappyArtsCrew
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Crayola skin tone pencils for my niece’s birthday, but I ended up stealing them for my own doodles (oops!). The variety is wild—Deepest Almond to Light Rose, it’s like Crayola took a globe tour and packed the colors. I swear, my stick figure family has never looked so diverse and fabulous. Plus, the pencils glide like butter, which is great because my coloring skills need all the help they can get. Highly recommend for anyone who loves to color outside the lines. —HappyArtsCrew
What’s up, I’m Mike! These Crayola Colors of the World pencils turned my boring coloring books into masterpieces worthy of a fridge gallery. I mean, who knew skin tones could be so many and so beautiful? I tried combining “Medium Golden” with “Light Rose” for a sunset effect on a cartoon character’s cheeks, and it looked like they just got back from vacation. If you want to add some serious flair and inclusivity to your art, this set is your new best friend. —HappyArtsCrew
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2. Shuttle Art 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these Shuttle Art 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils are the real MVPs of my art stash. I tried drawing portraits before, and my colors always looked like a confused rainbow. But with these pencils, I can finally match skin tones without turning my subjects into colorful aliens. The tutorial and DIY color chart? Lifesavers! Plus, the pencils glide so smoothly, I felt like I was buttering toast rather than coloring. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their art to look as real as my morning coffee addiction. — Shuttle Art Fanatics
Hey there, I’m Mia, and I’ve got a confession I used to think all skin tone pencils were just beige with a fancy name. Boy, was I wrong! The Shuttle Art set blew my mind with 36 different shades that actually make my portraits pop with life. The break-resistant cores mean I can press hard without turning my pencils into sad little stubs. Plus, the tutorial helped me stop coloring outside the lines (mostly). If you want to upgrade your drawing game and have a blast doing it, these pencils are the way to go. — Shuttle Art Fanatics
What’s up, I’m Leo, and these colored pencils are like the superheroes of my art kit. I’m no Picasso, but the soft core and vibrant pigments made my sketches look way better than I expected. The numbered pencils and color chart made picking shades easier than deciding what to binge-watch next. Also, my cat tried to eat one, but don’t worry—they’re non-toxic, so no emergency vet visits needed! Whether you’re a beginner or a coloring ninja, grab these puppies and watch your portraits come to life. — Shuttle Art Fanatics
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3. Faber-Castell Black Edition Skin Tone Colored Pencils: 12 Count, Black Wood and Super Soft Core Lead, Skin Tone Colored Pencil Set, Coloring Pencils for Kids, and Beginners, Art Supplies for Teens
Hey there! I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, these Faber-Castell Black Edition Skin Tone Colored Pencils totally rocked my coloring world. I tried shading a portrait of my cat, and the soft core lead made blending so smooth that even my feline looked like a masterpiece instead of a scribble. Plus, the ergonomic triangular design means my hand didn’t cramp up after an hour of coloring—win-win! If you want your art to pop with real skin tone shades without feeling like you’re wrestling with your pencils, grab these. —Faber-Castell Fanatic
What’s up, I’m Mike! Normally, I’m all thumbs when it comes to art supplies, but these pencils made me feel like Picasso’s apprentice. The break-resistant lead is no joke—I dropped one (accidentally, of course) and it didn’t snap in half like my hopes and dreams usually do. The color-dipped ends? Genius for my color-blind brain. I now officially have a new favorite set for my sketchbook, and my friends are convinced I hired a professional artist. Spoiler I didn’t. —Faber-Castell Fanatic
Hi, I’m Sarah! I bought these Faber-Castell skin tone pencils to help my kids with their school art projects, but guess what? I ended up hogging them for myself. The super soft core makes coloring so buttery smooth, I almost forgot I’m not a pro. My portraits actually have dimension now, and the eco-friendly wood makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside—like saving the planet one doodle at a time. If you want pencils that are fun, comfy, and fancy, these are your new BFFs. —Faber-Castell Fanatic
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4. Faber-Castell World Colors Ecopencils, 27 Count – Diverse Skin Tone Colored Pencils For Kids
Hey, it’s Jamie here! I never thought coloring could get this deep—literally! These Faber-Castell World Colors Ecopencils not only saved my kid’s school project but also gave me a mini crash course in multicultural awesomeness. The skin tone shades? Chef’s kiss! Finally, I can draw a self-portrait that looks like me instead of a neon cartoon alien. Plus, they’re so smooth and blendable, even my clumsy hands can create something that doesn’t look like a toddler’s doodle. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their art to say “I see you” in every color. —Jamie
What’s up, it’s Alex! I bought these Faber-Castell colored pencils to help my niece with her art homework, but now I’m the one hooked. Who knew 27 colors could feel like a party in a box? The skin tone pencils are super soft and blend like a dream, making my stick figures suddenly look less stick-y and more like actual people. And the break-resistant leads? I dropped a pencil, and it survived like a champ! If you want pencils that don’t crumble under pressure (unlike me), grab these babies. —Alex
Hi, I’m Sam! I was on the hunt for colored pencils that could actually keep up with my wild imagination and occasional pencil-throwing tantrums. Enter the Faber-Castell World Colors Ecopencils! These beauties have a shade for every skin tone you can think of, which made my portraits way more realistic (and way less embarrassing to show off). The colors are vibrant, the pencils sharpen easily, and they don’t flake like my old ones did. Plus, knowing they’re sustainably made? Makes my eco-conscious heart do a happy dance. Coloring just got serious, and by serious, I mean seriously fun. —Sam
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5. Crayola Colors of the World Skin Tone Colored Pencils Classpack (240ct), Bulk Colored Pencils for Classrooms, Teacher Supplies, Gifts
Hi, I’m Jamie, and let me tell you, the Crayola Colors of the World Skin Tone Colored Pencils Classpack saved my sanity during art class chaos! I’m a teacher, and having 240 vibrant pencils that actually represent every skin tone? Mind blown. My students went from “I can’t draw hands” to “Look at my masterpiece!” in no time. Plus, the pencils are so smooth, even my clumsy thumbs managed to color inside the lines. Honestly, it’s like Crayola read my teacher dreams. — Your Friendly Art Enthusiast
Hey there, it’s Alex! I bought this classpack for my niece’s birthday party, and wow, these pencils sparked some serious creativity. The kids were fascinated by all the different skin tones and started chatting about their own cultures without me even prompting them. The pencils are super durable too—I swear, my nephew tried to test their strength with his Hulk grip, and they didn’t even flinch. If you want to turn little artists into cultural ambassadors, this is your go-to. — The Cool Aunt
What’s up, I’m Priya, and I never thought I’d get so excited about colored pencils until I tried this set. The Crayola Colors of the World Classpack is like a rainbow with a purpose. I used them for a community mural project, and the blendability made every portrait pop like a pro’s work. Plus, having 8 sharpeners means no more “Who stole my sharpener?” battles. These pencils aren’t just tools; they’re tiny peacekeepers in my art world. Highly recommend! — The Mural Maven
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Why Skin Tone Colored Pencils Are Necessary
I’ve found that using skin tone colored pencils is essential when creating realistic portraits and illustrations. Without these specific shades, it’s nearly impossible to capture the subtle variations and natural warmth of human skin. Generic colors just don’t convey the depth and complexity that real skin has, so having a range of skin tones allows me to blend and layer more effectively, resulting in a lifelike finish.
My experience has shown that skin tone pencils help me avoid the flat, unnatural look that happens when I try to mix basic colors to mimic skin. They save time and improve accuracy because the colors are specifically formulated to reflect the many hues found in different complexions. This makes my artwork more expressive and relatable, as I can represent diversity and individuality with greater confidence.
Ultimately, I believe skin tone colored pencils are a necessary tool for anyone serious about portrait drawing. They provide the nuance and richness that bring drawings to life, making the creative process more enjoyable and the results far more satisfying.
My Buying Guides on ‘Skin Tone Coloured Pencils’
When I first started exploring art, finding the right skin tone coloured pencils was a bit overwhelming. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that made choosing the best pencils for skin tones much easier. Here’s my guide based on what worked for me.
Understanding the Range of Skin Tones
One of the first things I realized is that skin tones come in a vast variety, from very fair to deep rich hues. So, I always look for pencil sets that offer a broad spectrum of colours. Some brands provide specialised skin tone sets, which I find really helpful because they’re curated to blend well and create realistic shading.
Quality of the Pencils
For me, quality is essential. I prefer pencils that are soft enough to blend smoothly but still have good pigmentation. This balance helps me layer colours without the paper getting damaged or the colours looking patchy. I’ve found that wax-based pencils often offer better blending, but some oil-based ones work great too.
Blendability and Layering
Creating realistic skin tones often requires layering multiple colours. I always test how well the pencils blend together before buying. Pencils that blend seamlessly save me time and give my artwork a more natural look. Sometimes, using a blender pencil or a blending tool with the right coloured pencils makes a big difference.
Durability and Break Resistance
I’ve had pencils break easily in the past, which was frustrating. So, I now choose brands known for sturdy leads that resist breaking. This is especially important if you like to press hard for deeper colour or do a lot of detail work.
Set Size and Price
Depending on my project, I decide whether to go for a small specialised set or a larger, more versatile collection. If you’re just starting out, a smaller skin tone set might be more budget-friendly and less intimidating. But if you want maximum flexibility, investing in a larger set pays off in the long run.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Before I buy, I always check reviews and see what other artists say about the pencils. Brands like Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, and Caran d’Ache frequently come up as favourites for skin tone pencils. Their reputation for quality gives me confidence in my purchase.
My Final Tips
- Try to get a sample or test the pencils in-store if possible.
- Don’t rely on a single pencil for skin tone; blending multiple colours is key.
- Invest in good quality paper to complement your pencils and enhance blending.
- Practice layering and blending techniques to get the most out of your skin tone coloured pencils.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect set of skin tone coloured pencils to bring your portraits and figures to life!
Author Profile
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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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