10 Best Colouring Pencils 2025 in the UK

The Faber-Castell Polychromos set of 24 colouring pencils is a solid choice for both beginners and seasoned artists. One of its standout features is the high-quality pigment, which ensures vibrant and consistent colour laydown. The colours are designed to resist fading due to their excellent lightfastness, which is a significant advantage if you plan on displaying your artwork over time.

The core hardness is rated as 'H', indicating a balance between hardness and softness, allowing for both detailed work and broader strokes. The 3.8 mm lead is robust, reducing the chances of breakage, which is further supported by the secure bonding process used in manufacturing these pencils. With 24 vibrant colours in this tin, artists have a reasonable selection for varied artworks. For those who need even more variety, Faber-Castell offers sets with up to 120 colours. The pencils are also known for excellent blendability, allowing for smooth transitions and layer building in your artwork.

The pencils are water-resistant and smudge-proof, which is beneficial for maintaining the integrity of your work. The contoured grip makes them comfortable to use for extended periods, though the round barrel shape may not be as ergonomically friendly for everyone as some may prefer hexagonal barrels for better grip. Faber-Castell has a strong reputation in the art supply industry, adding a layer of trust to your purchase. The set is versatile, suitable for a range of uses from casual colouring books to professional artworks. However, if you’re looking for pencils with a softer core for more intense colour saturation, you might find these slightly lacking.

The Castle Art Supplies 120 Colouring Pencils Set is an impressive choice for adult artists and colourists seeking a comprehensive and accessible tool for their creative needs. One of the set's standout features is its extensive range of 120 vibrant colours, arranged thoughtfully in a presentation tin for ease of access. This makes it especially suitable for artists who appreciate having a wide spectrum of hues at their fingertips, all conveniently organized.

The pencils boast a soft core, designed to offer a buttery smooth application, which is excellent for blending and layering to achieve varied textures. This is a significant strength, making these pencils great for techniques requiring fluid color transitions. The medium point type also ensures a good balance between detail work and broader strokes.

The pencils are crafted to prevent crumbling under pressure, a feature that enhances their durability. However, the fine lead hardness might not be the best fit for those requiring very hard leads for precise, intricate details. Castle Art Supplies enjoys a robust brand reputation, supported by positive customer reviews and a strong market presence. The product's appeal is further boosted by a unique tutorial feature, which is helpful for users looking to expand their skill set.