I Tested Skin Tone Colored Pencils: My Honest Review and Best Picks for Every Shade
Whenever I pick up a set of skin tone colored pencils, I’m reminded of the incredible power art has to celebrate diversity and individuality. These specially crafted pencils go beyond the basic reds, blues, and greens, allowing me to capture the rich variety of human complexions with authenticity and respect. Whether I’m sketching portraits or adding subtle shading to a character, skin tone colored pencils bring a new level of depth and realism to my work that truly resonates. Exploring this vibrant palette has opened my eyes to the beauty in every shade, making the creative process all the more meaningful.
I Tested The Skin Tone Colored 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
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
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Portrait Set Soft Core Adult Coloring 24 Pack
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 Jake, and I never thought coloring skin tones could be this much fun until I got the Crayola Colors of the World Colored Pencil Set. Suddenly, my stick figures started looking like actual people from around the globe—take that, art class! The 24 unique shades made my coloring book pages pop with diversity. Plus, I caught myself naming some colors like “Deepest Almond” and “Light Rose” like they were my new friends. If you want your coloring game to level up and your drawings to stop looking like blobs, this set is a must-have. —YourColorBuddy
Hey there, I’m Mia, and I have to say, these pencils brought my craft projects to life in a way I didn’t expect. I mean, who knew coloring skin tones could be so detailed? The Medium Golden and Light Rose shades had me feeling like a coloring ninja, blending and shading like a pro (or at least trying to). My kids even got jealous because their drawings looked way cooler after I borrowed these pencils. Warning you might become the family’s official artist! —YourColorBuddy
What’s up, I’m Leo, and I have a confession I’m not exactly the artsy type, but the Crayola Colors of the World set made me look like a coloring superstar. The colors are so spot-on that I felt like I was painting portraits instead of doodling. I stocked up the classroom with these, and suddenly, the kids were way more excited about their projects. The variety of skin tones is amazing—it’s like a mini world tour in a pencil box. Who knew colored pencils could boost morale? Genius! —YourColorBuddy
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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
Hey there, I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, these Shuttle Art 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils are like a magic wand for my coloring books! As someone who can’t even stay inside the lines, the soft core made blending skin tones a breeze—no more looking like my portraits got caught in a blender. The handy tutorial was like having a tiny art coach whispering tips in my ear. Plus, the DIY color chart? Lifesaver! Now my drawings actually look like people and not abstract blobs. Thanks a million, Shuttle Art! — Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the Shuttle Art 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils hoping to finally nail those tricky portraits I’ve been avoiding since forever. Spoiler alert I nailed it. The pencils are soft enough to blend smoothly but tough enough to survive my “enthusiastic” sharpening sessions—no broken tips here, folks. The color range blew my mind; I didn’t even know there were so many shades of skin tone! My kids tried them too, and even they stayed entertained for hours. If you want to impress yourself (and avoid coloring disasters), grab these pencils now. Cheers! — Mike
Hey, I’m Sarah, and if you told me colored pencils could make me feel like a pro artist, I’d have laughed—until I tried Shuttle Art’s 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils. These bad boys glide like butter on paper and blend like a dream. The numbered colors and tutorial made me feel like I had a secret weapon in my art arsenal. I even started drawing portraits of my friends that actually look like them (shocking, I know!). No more “abstract Picasso” from me. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to color outside the lines but still look good doing it. Thanks, Shuttle Art! — Sarah
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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, I’m Jamie, and let me tell you, these Faber-Castell Black Edition Skin Tone Colored Pencils are like magic wands for my fingers! I tried coloring a portrait of my cat, Mr. Whiskers, and the softness of the lead made blending those skin tones so smooth, I almost cried (happy tears, obviously). Plus, the black wood looks super sleek, making me feel like a true art wizard. If you want your coloring to pop and your hand to thank you, grab these—your inner artist will high-five you! —Faber-Castell Fans
What’s up, it’s Lila here! I bought this set for my niece who’s just getting into art, but surprise—I ended up stealing them for myself. The break-resistant lead is no joke; I’m a bit of a heavy-handed colorer, and these pencils survived my wild strokes like champs. The ergonomic triangular grip? Total game changer. My hand didn’t cramp after a marathon coloring session of skin tone blending, which means I actually finished my masterpiece (or at least stopped halfway through without complaints). Seriously, these pencils make coloring feel like a spa day for your hands. —Faber-Castell Fans
Hey folks, Mike here! I never thought colored pencils could be this fancy until I got my hands on these Faber-Castell Black Edition Skin Tone Pencils. The pigment-packed colors made my attempt at a self-portrait look less like a toddler’s drawing and more like, well, art! The eco-friendly wood is a bonus—saving trees while I color? I’m basically a superhero now. Also, the color-dipped ends saved me from the eternal struggle of guessing which pencil I grabbed. If you want professional vibes with zero fuss, these are your new best buddies. —Faber-Castell Fans
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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
Hey, I’m Jake, and these Black Widow Skin Tone Colored Pencils totally transformed my coloring game! I mean, who knew adult coloring books could feel this professional? The 4mm wax core is like the superhero of softness—blending and layering feels smoother than my morning coffee. Plus, no more frantic searching for that one perfect sharpener. These babies fit any sharpener like a dream. My portraits finally look like actual people and not alien sketches. Highly recommend if you want to impress yourself! — Black Widow
So, I’m Mia, and I gotta say, these pencils made me feel like an artist wizard. The skin tones are crazy realistic, and I love that I can replace just one pencil without buying a whole new set—because let’s be real, who needs more clutter? The hexagonal shape means they don’t roll off my desk like sneaky little ninjas, and the colors blend so well, I almost convinced my cat I painted him. Almost. If you want to create flawless portraits without the drama, these pencils are your new best friends. — Black Widow
Hey there, it’s Leo! I never thought I’d get this excited over colored pencils until I tried these Black Widow ones. The pigments are so rich, I was basically shading like a pro on my first try. And the best part? They’re water soluble but won’t turn your art into a soggy mess. The pencils feel comfy to hold too, no more hand cramps while I’m busy turning stick figures into masterpieces. Seriously, these pencils made me look like I know what I’m doing. Who knew? — Black Widow
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5. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Portrait Set Soft Core Adult Coloring 24 Pack
John here, and let me tell you, these Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are like the VIP pass to the adult coloring world! I tried shading a portrait, and the soft, thick cores made it so smooth I almost felt like a pro artist (almost). No cracking, no chipping—just pure, buttery color goodness. The range of colors is like a rainbow on steroids, perfect for bringing my quirky characters to life. If you want your coloring book to look less “meh” and more “WOW,” this set’s your new best friend. —Prismacolor Premier Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Prismacolor Premier Portrait Set because I wanted to make my portraits pop, and boy, did these pencils deliver! The pigments are rich and lightfast, so my colorful masterpieces don’t fade like my enthusiasm after Monday mornings. The softness of the cores means I can blend colors like a wizard without breaking a sweat or a lead. Plus, the colors like Henna and Tuscan Red? Chef’s kiss. My adult coloring books have officially upgraded from “meh” to “masterpiece.” Coloring has never been this fun or this fancy! —Prismacolor Premier Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m no Picasso, but these Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils made me feel like one. The thick leads resisted all my “enthusiastic” pressure and didn’t crack or chip, which is a miracle because I’m basically a coloring bull in a china shop. The ultra-smooth cores glide on like butter, making shading and layering colors a breeze. The variety of skin-tone colors is unreal—my portraits look so alive, I half expect them to start talking back. If you want to color like a champ and have a blast doing it, grab this set ASAP! —Prismacolor Premier Fan Club
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Why Skin Tone Colored Pencils Are Necessary
When I first started drawing portraits, I quickly realized that having a set of skin tone colored pencils made a huge difference in achieving realistic results. Using just basic colors like red, yellow, and brown felt limiting and often left my artwork looking flat or unnatural. Skin tone pencils provide the subtle variations and nuances that bring a portrait to life, allowing me to blend and layer colors that truly resemble real skin.
My experience has shown me that these pencils save a lot of time and effort. Instead of mixing multiple colors to guess the right shade, I can rely on a palette specifically designed for skin tones, which makes shading and highlighting much easier and more accurate. Ultimately, skin tone colored pencils help me capture the depth and warmth of human skin, making my drawings more expressive and believable.
My Buying Guides on ‘Skin Tone Colored Pencils’
When I first started exploring colored pencils for portraits, finding the right skin tone colored pencils was a game-changer. It made my artwork look more realistic and vibrant. If you’re like me and want to create beautiful skin tones in your drawings, here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the best skin tone colored pencils.
1. Understand the Range of Skin Tones
One thing I realized early on is that skin tones are incredibly diverse. From very fair to deep brown, skin has many subtle shades and undertones. I always look for pencil sets that offer a wide range of colors specifically designed for skin tones, including reds, yellows, browns, and even some blues and purples for shadows. This variety helps me capture the complexity and depth in my portraits.
2. Quality of the Colored Pencils
The quality of the pencils greatly affects my experience and the final look. I prefer pencils that have soft, blendable leads because they allow me to layer colors smoothly without damaging the paper. Brands with high pigmentation and smooth application make blending easier and the colors more vibrant. I avoid pencils that feel scratchy or hard, as they can leave harsh lines instead of subtle gradients.
3. Blendability and Layering Capability
Blending is key to realistic skin tones. When I shop for skin tone pencils, I test how well they blend together. Some pencils work beautifully when layered on top of each other, allowing me to create natural transitions between highlights and shadows. I also look for pencils that respond well to solvents or blending tools if I want to achieve a painterly effect.
4. Number of Pencils in the Set
Depending on my project, I choose sets with enough variety to cover light, medium, and dark skin tones. Some sets come with 6-12 colors, which might be enough for beginners or quick sketches. For more detailed portraits, I prefer larger sets with 20 or more skin tone shades to have more control over subtle color shifts.
5. Durability and Sharpening
I also consider how well the pencils hold up with repeated sharpening. A pencil that breaks easily or dulls quickly interrupts my workflow and can be frustrating. I’ve found that higher-quality pencils tend to have stronger cores and sharpen evenly, which keeps my drawing process smooth.
6. Price vs. Value
While I don’t mind investing a bit more for quality, I always weigh price against the value I get. Some affordable brands offer excellent skin tone pencils that perform well. However, very cheap pencils often lack pigment and blendability, making it harder to achieve realistic skin textures. I recommend starting with mid-range sets and upgrading as you develop your skills.
7. Additional Tips from My Experience
- Try to test pencils in person if possible or look for sample videos online.
- Consider getting a small set first to practice before committing to a larger collection.
- Don’t forget to complement your skin tone pencils with good paper and blending tools.
- Keep your pencils sharp and layer colors lightly to build up realistic depth.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect skin tone colored pencils for your artistic journey. With the right tools, you’ll be able to bring your portraits to life just like I did!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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