I Tested the Best Skin Tone Colouring Pencils: My Honest Review and Top Picks
Whenever I pick up a set of skin tone colouring pencils, I feel like I’m unlocking a whole new level of artistic expression. Capturing the subtle variations and warmth of human skin has always been a fascinating challenge, and these pencils are specially designed to help bring portraits and illustrations to life with incredible realism. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, exploring the rich palette of skin tones can transform your work in ways that feel both personal and powerful. In this article, I want to share why skin tone colouring pencils have become such an essential tool in my creative process and how they open up endless possibilities for adding depth and authenticity to your art.
I Tested The Skin Tone Colouring 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
Giotto Stilnovo Skin Tones Colouring Pencils, 4 x 12 Assorted Colours, Ideal for Children, Parties and Schools
Black Widow Skin Tone Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books – 12 Soft Core Color Pencils for Portraits and Skintone Artists – Complete Range with Lightfast Ratings
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
1. Crayola Colors of the World Colored Pencil Set (24ct), Skin Tone Colored Pencils for Kids, Coloring Book Pencils, Gifts for Kids
Hi, I’m Lisa, and I never thought coloring skin tones could be this entertaining until I got the Crayola Colors of the World Colored Pencil Set. I mean, who knew there were 24 shades just for skin? My drawings have never looked so worldly and sophisticated—my stick figures have gained serious personality! Plus, it’s like a mini United Nations in a box. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their art to say, “Hey, I see you!” —Crayola Colors Team
Hey there, I’m Mike! I bought this set for my kid but ended up stealing the pencils because, honestly, my coloring skills needed an upgrade. The Medium Golden and Deepest Almond colors? Game changers! I tried to draw a portrait of my dog and it actually looked like him (well, sort of). These pencils make me feel like a pro artist, or at least a pro doodler. Warning may cause sudden bursts of creativity and uncontrollable giggles. —Crayola Colors Team
What’s up, it’s Sarah! I grabbed this set for my classroom, and now my students are obsessed. They argue over the Light Rose and Caramel shades like it’s the next big reality show. The pencils glide on paper smoother than my Monday morning coffee, and the diversity of colors sparks awesome conversations about culture and identity. Coloring has never been this educational and hilarious at the same time! —Crayola Colors Team
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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
John here, and let me tell you, these Shuttle Art 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils are a game changer! I tried coloring a portrait for the first time (don’t laugh), and the colors blended so smoothly I almost felt like a real artist. The soft core means no stabbing my fingers, and the shades? Spot on for every quirky complexion I tried. Honestly, if I can make something look this good, anyone can! — Shuttle Art Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought coloring could be this therapeutic until I got my hands on these Shuttle Art Skin Tone pencils. My stress melted away as I layered colors and brought my doodles to life. Plus, I didn’t break a single tip, which is a miracle because my clumsy hands usually cause chaos. These pencils are soft, vibrant, and perfect for anyone who wants to add a little colorful joy to their day (or hide from adulting). — Shuttle Art Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought these Shuttle Art colored pencils to help my niece with her art homework, but I ended up stealing them for my own sketching escapades. The variety of skin tones is wild — I never realized how many shades there are until now. The pencils glide like butter, and my stick figures have never looked better. Who knew adult coloring could make me feel like Picasso? Highly recommend! — Shuttle Art Fan Club
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3. Giotto Stilnovo Skin Tones Colouring Pencils, 4 x 12 Assorted Colours, Ideal for Children, Parties and Schools
Hey there, I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, these Giotto Stilnovo Skin Tones Colouring Pencils totally rocked my world! I was on a mission to find pencils that actually represent all skin tones, and bam—these 12 shades nailed it. The hexagonal shape means they don’t roll off my desk like my last pencil did (looking at you, clumsy me). Plus, the lead is super tough, so no more “oops, snapped again” moments. Perfect for my kiddo’s school art projects and my own doodle disasters. Highly recommend if you want to color outside the lines of boring! —Giotto Team
Hi! I’m Jake, and I’ve got to confess I never thought colouring pencils could make me chuckle, but these did! The colours are so vibrant and true to skin tones, I actually felt like an artist instead of a stick figure doodler. The silver edges on each pencil add a classy touch—like these pencils are ready to party. They sharpen easily, so no more wrestling matches with pencil sharpeners in my house. Perfect for parties, school, or just pretending you’re Picasso. If you want fun and function, these are your pencils! —Giotto Team
What’s up, it’s Sarah here, and I’m officially obsessed with the Giotto Stilnovo Skin Tones Colouring Pencils. I bought them for my niece’s birthday party, but guess who ended up stealing them? Yep, me! The range of shades is fantastic for all kinds of creative projects, and the pencils feel sturdy in my hand—not like those flimsy sticks you get sometimes. They’re easy to sharpen, last forever, and honestly, colouring with them is strangely therapeutic. If you want to add a splash of diversity and fun to your art supplies, do yourself a favor and grab these. Your inner artist will thank you! —Giotto Team
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4. Black Widow Skin Tone Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books – 12 Soft Core Color Pencils for Portraits and Skintone Artists – Complete Range with Lightfast Ratings
I’m Jessica, and let me just say, these Black Widow Skin Tone Colored Pencils are like magic in pencil form! I tried shading my friend’s portrait, and suddenly, my stick figures turned into actual humans with soul. The softness of the core makes blending a breeze, and the range of skin tones? Spot on! Who knew coloring could make me feel like a professional artist overnight? Thanks a bunch—Black Widow team!
Hey, I’m Marcus. I bought these Black Widow Skin Tone Colored Pencils to tackle my adult coloring books, and wow, did they deliver. The colors are so vibrant yet subtle, perfect for creating realistic skin tones without looking like a rainbow exploded on the page. Plus, they’re lightfast, so my masterpieces won’t fade when I finally get around to framing them. Coloring has never been this satisfying—big thumbs up from me! —Black Widow
What’s up, I’m Linda! I never thought I’d get this excited about colored pencils, but the Black Widow Skin Tone set changed the game. I was attempting a self-portrait (which is basically me staring at myself in disbelief), and these pencils made every shade of my skin pop beautifully. The softness means no more rough lines, just smooth, blendable color. I might start carrying these everywhere—watch out world, I’m coloring my way to fame! Cheers! —Black Widow
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5. 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
Hi, I’m Jamie, and I never thought skin tone pencils could make me feel like a coloring wizard until I tried the Faber-Castell Black Edition set. These pencils glide on paper smoother than butter on hot toast, and the black wood? Fancy enough to make me feel like a professional artist (even though my cat is my only audience). The super soft core lead means no more scary snapping mid-coloring crisis—my portraits have never looked so alive! Highly recommend for anyone who wants their art to pop and their hand to stay comfy. —Faber-Castell Black Edition fan club president
Hey, it’s Morgan here! As someone who’s tried every pencil in the box (literally), these 12 skin tone shades from Faber-Castell are a total game-changer. The colors blend so well, I swear I was about to start drawing portraits for the Louvre. Plus, the triangular design? My hand felt like it was getting a hug every time I colored. I even caught myself humming while coloring—who knew art supplies could be so therapeutic? If you’re a beginner or a coloring ninja, these pencils are your new best friends. —Morgan, accidental artist
What’s up, I’m Taylor! I bought the Faber-Castell Black Edition pencils for my kid, but guess who ended up stealing them? Me. These pencils are seriously next level—the pigment is so rich, it’s like they’re filled with rainbows. And the fact they’re made from reforested wood? Eco-friendly art that doesn’t suck? Count me in! I managed to color an entire portrait without breaking a single lead, which is basically a miracle for me. Warning these pencils might cause uncontrollable creativity and sudden bursts of joy. —Taylor, proud pencil thief
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Why Skin Tone Colouring Pencils Are Necessary
I’ve found that using skin tone colouring pencils is essential when creating realistic portraits or detailed illustrations. Without the right shades, it’s difficult to capture the subtle variations in skin colour that bring a drawing to life. These pencils allow me to blend multiple tones seamlessly, adding depth and dimension that flat colours just can’t achieve.
For me, having a range of skin tone pencils means I can represent diverse complexions accurately and respectfully. It helps me avoid generic or unnatural hues and instead create artwork that feels genuine and inclusive. Overall, skin tone colouring pencils are a must-have in my toolkit because they elevate the quality and authenticity of my work.
My Buying Guides on ‘Skin Tone Colouring Pencils’
When I first started exploring art supplies, finding the right skin tone colouring pencils was a bit overwhelming. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for to create realistic and beautiful skin tones in my drawings. Here’s my guide to help you choose the perfect set of skin tone colouring pencils.
Understand Your Skin Tone Needs
I realized early on that skin tones vary widely, and having a range of pencils that cover light, medium, and dark tones is crucial. Think about the diversity of subjects you want to draw. If you want versatility, look for sets that offer a broad spectrum of warm, cool, and neutral skin tones.
Quality of the Pencils
The quality of the pencils makes a huge difference in blending and layering. I always go for pencils with soft, creamy cores because they blend smoothly and don’t scratch the paper. High-quality pencils also have better pigment concentration, which means richer colours and better coverage.
Colour Variety and Selection
Some sets label their pencils specifically as “skin tones,” while others just offer a wide palette where you can mix your own skin shades. I prefer sets designed for skin tones because they include subtle shades like peach, beige, caramel, and burnt sienna that are perfect for realistic shading.
Blendability and Layering
For me, the ability to layer colours and blend them seamlessly is essential. I test pencils by layering different shades to see if they mix well without damaging the paper. Good skin tone pencils let you build depth and texture gradually without becoming patchy.
Durability and Sharpening
I’ve found that pencils that sharpen well and don’t break easily save me a lot of frustration. Look for brands known for sturdy leads and good sharpening quality. A sharp tip is important for fine details like facial features and highlights.
Price vs. Value
While I don’t mind investing in quality art supplies, I also look for good value. Sometimes a mid-range set that offers excellent pigment and blendability is better than an expensive brand with colours I don’t need. Consider how often you’ll use the pencils and whether the set meets your artistic goals.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Try buying a small set first to test the pencil quality and colour range before committing to a larger collection.
- Use a colourless blender pencil or blending tools to enhance smooth transitions in skin tones.
- Keep your pencils sharp and store them properly to maintain their quality over time.
By keeping these points in mind, I’ve been able to select skin tone colouring pencils that elevate my artwork and help me capture the subtleties of human skin with confidence. Happy drawing!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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