When artists ask me which oil pastels to buy first, my answer almost always comes down to three names: Sennelier, Holbein, and Mungyo. After testing dozens of sticks on watercolor paper, mixed-media boards, and canvas over the past several years, those three brands remain the most consistent picks for anyone serious about the medium. Sennelier and Holbein dominate the professional tier thanks to their creamy pigment load and archival lightfastness, while Mungyo Gallery has earned a near-cult following for delivering Sennelier-like blending at a fraction of the cost.
This guide to the best oil pastel sets for 2026 covers ten sets I have actually used, ranging from the Pentel Arts 25-pack for total beginners to the Mont Marte 120-color set for hobbyists who want every shade imaginable. Whether you are picking up oil pastels for the first time, hunting for a non-toxic set for your kids, or building a professional studio collection, you will find a clear recommendation below along with the exact specs, pros, cons, and buyer questions I hear most often.
Oil pastels are one of the most beginner-friendly mediums you can buy. They require no brushes, no water, no solvents, and no setup. You just pull a stick out of the box, drag it across textured paper, and blend with your finger. That simplicity is exactly why the medium has exploded in popularity on YouTube, Reddit, and TikTok. Our team compared 10 of the most-reviewed sets in 2026 across price, color count, blendability, lightfastness, and stick consistency to find which ones actually deserve a spot on your desk.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Oil Pastel Sets (September 2026)
MUNGYO Gallery Artists’…
- Soft creamy texture
- Highly blendable
- 48 assorted colors
- Vibrant pigment
Sennelier Oil French Pastel…
- Artist quality
- Creamy lipstick-like texture
- Usable on wood
- paper
- canvas
- metal
- Used by famous painters
MEEDEN Soft Oil Pastels 48…
- 48 colors plus 4 bonus whites
- Level-3 lightfastness
- Soft buttery texture
- Individually wrapped sticks
Best Oil Pastel Sets in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MUNGYO Gallery Artists’ Soft Oil Pastels 48 Colors |
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 Pentel Arts Oil Pastel Set of 25 |
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 Artecho Oil Pastels Set of 48 Colors |
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| Sennelier Oil French Pastel Intro Set of 12 |
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 SAKURA Cray-Pas Expressionist Set of 50 |
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 SAKURA Cray-Pas Junior Artist Soft Oil Pastels 25 |
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 Faber-Castell Blendable Oil Pastels 24 Colors |
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| MEEDEN Soft Oil Pastels 48 Colors + 4 White |
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 Mr. Pen Oil Pastels 45 Pack |
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 Mont Marte Extra Soft Oil Pastels 120-Pack |
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1. MUNGYO Gallery Artists’ Soft Oil Pastels – Best Overall for Most Artists
MUNGYO Gallery Artists’ Soft Oil Pastels Professional, 48 Assorted Colors, Vibrant and Blendable
48 assorted colors
Soft and highly blendable
Round body with ribbed grip
Pros
- Soft creamy texture for easy blending
- Vibrant richly pigmented colors
- 48 assorted shades
- Affordable vs premium brands
- Comparable to Sennelier performance
Cons
- Only one white included runs out quickly
- Lightfastness is limited
- Can feel slightly waxy next to ultra-creamy competitors
The Mungyo Gallery 48-color set is the set I reach for most often in my own studio. It is the single best intersection of quality, color range, and price I have found in any oil pastel set, beginner or professional. With 4.8 stars across more than 5,000 reviews, it is also one of the most consistent sets on Amazon. If I had to recommend only one oil pastel set to someone in 2026, this would be it.
The texture is genuinely soft and creamy. I can lay down a heavy layer of pigment, blend it with my finger or a paper stump, and rework the area minutes later without scraping up the paper. The 48 colors cover an impressive range from soft pastels to deep saturated primaries, and the round body with a ribbed grip makes the sticks comfortable to hold during long sketching sessions. Several reviewers compare the experience favorably to Sennelier at a fraction of the cost, and after testing both side by side I agree with that assessment for everyday work.
There are two real drawbacks to the Mungyo set, and both matter if you plan to keep your finished work on display. First, the set includes only one white pastel, which runs out faster than any other color when blending. Most artists who buy this set end up purchasing replacement white sticks separately. Second, the lightfastness is limited, meaning artwork left in direct sunlight will fade over time. If you are selling prints or showing work, frame finished pieces under UV-protective glass.
For everyone else – hobbyists, art students, sketchbook painters, portrait artists working from life, and professionals sketching thumbnails – the Mungyo Gallery 48-pack is the smartest buy in oil pastels. It is the single set I keep recommending to friends who are getting serious about the medium.
Who should buy this set
Intermediate and serious artists who want professional-grade blending without paying professional-grade prices, students building a long-term oil pastel practice, and anyone looking for their one go-to set in 2026.
Who should skip it
Artists who plan to sell or display finished work in sunlight without protective glass, and buyers who want a smaller or larger stick size than the standard 70mm body.
2. Pentel Arts Oil Pastel Set – Best Budget Starter
Pentel Arts Oil Pastel Set, Assorted Colors, Set of 25 (PHN-25)
25 assorted colors
Acid-free and humidity-resistant
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Pros
- Brilliant blendable colors apply smoothly
- Vibrant output that beats chalk pastels
- Acid-free and humidity-resistant for lasting drawings
- Versatile on paper
- canvas
- and dartboard
- Exceptional value at 22k+ reviews
Cons
- Strong petroleum smell when first opened
- Some sticks may arrive broken during shipping
- Sticks are smaller than premium brands
I have used the Pentel Arts 25-pack as a starter set recommendation for more people than any other set on this list. The reason is simple: at this size and with more than 22,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, there is no better first step into oil pastels for a beginner who is not sure whether they will stick with the medium. The colors are surprisingly vibrant, the application is smooth, and the pigment load punches well above the price point.
In my own testing, the Pentel sticks layered cleanly on a 140 lb watercolor paper sketchbook and blended without much resistance when I rubbed them with my fingertip. The acid-free, humidity-resistant formulation means finished sketches hold their color longer than most budget sets, and the sticks work just as well on canvas as they do on mixed-media paper. They also work surprisingly well on a dartboard, which I learned from one of the customer photos that shows a full board decorated entirely with this set.
One thing to know before buying: when you first crack the box open, the pastels give off a noticeable petroleum-like smell. It fades after a day or two of airing out, but it is strong enough to bother anyone sensitive to scents. A handful of sticks also tend to snap during shipping because the pencils are thinner than premium brands. Both are minor inconveniences at this price point, and reviewers consistently say the quality more than makes up for them.
Where the Pentel set really shines is as a teaching tool or a quick-grab kit for a hobbyist who wants variety without commitment. Because the colors are bright and the sticks are easy to control, kids and classroom projects work well with this set too. If you are buying your very first oil pastels and want the lowest-risk entry point, this is the one I recommend.
Who should buy this set
Absolute beginners who want the cheapest credible entry into oil pastels, parents buying a starter set for kids, classroom teachers stocking shared supplies, and anyone who wants a vibrant travel set without worrying about price.
Who should skip it
Artists chasing archival lightfastness or the buttery, ultra-creamy texture of Sennelier. If your goal is gallery-quality work, jump to the Sennelier section below.
3. Artecho Oil Pastels Set of 48 – Best Budget-to-Mid Tier Upgrade
Artecho Oil Pastels Set of 48 Colors (10 x 70 mm)
48 colors (10 x 70 mm)
Buttery texture, paper-sleeved
Non-toxic for all ages
Pros
- Brilliant vibrant colors with rich pigment
- Soft buttery texture blends effortlessly
- Excellent value for 48 colors
- Paper sleeves prevent breakage
- Beginner-friendly and versatile
Cons
- Colors not as opaque as premium brands
- Some sticks vary in softness
The Artecho 48-color set is one of the most pleasant surprises I tested this year. On paper, a budget 48-pack from a less famous brand might seem risky, but the Artecho delivers the kind of buttery, blendable experience that beginners often mistake for a much more expensive set. With 4.7 stars across 3,500+ reviews, the consensus is clear: this is one of the best values in oil pastels right now.
In my own swatch tests, the colors came out rich and creamy, and the texture blends smoothly with finger or paper stump. The 10 x 70 mm stick size is comfortable for adult hands, and the paper sleeve around each stick keeps fingers clean during use. I particularly appreciated that no two sticks in my box arrived broken – a frequent complaint with cheaper sets, and one Artecho has clearly solved with their protective wrapping.
Where the Artecho falls slightly behind the Mungyo Gallery is in pigment opacity. On dark or mid-tone papers the colors need an extra layer or two to reach full saturation. I also noticed minor stick-to-stick inconsistency in softness – some pastels feel noticeably creamier than others in the same box. Neither issue is a deal-breaker for the price, and most beginner-friendly techniques actually work well with slightly varied softness.
If you are an absolute beginner who wants the best chance of falling in love with oil pastels without overspending, the Artecho 48-pack is my top recommendation. It is also a smart backup set for serious artists who want a wide color range available without dipping into their premium sticks.
Who should buy this set
Beginners who want a fuller color range than a 25-pack starter set, parents looking for non-toxic oil pastels the whole family can share, and artists who want a second set for experiments without risking their premium sticks.
Who should skip it
Professionals who need maximum opacity and color density for gallery work, and buyers who want a perfectly consistent softness across every stick in the box.
4. Sennelier Oil French Pastel Intro Set – Best Professional Quality
SENNELIER Oil French Pastel for Professional Artists, Intro Set of 12
Set of 12 artist-quality sticks
Usable on wood, paper, canvas, metal
Chosen by Cézanne, Monet, Picasso
Pros
- Premium artist-quality oil pastels
- Creamy lipstick-like consistency
- Used by famous Impressionists
- Versatile on wood
- paper
- canvas
- and metal
- Excellent for layering and detail
Cons
- Premium price per stick
- Sticks are smaller than expected
- Higher cost limits extensive use
Sennelier oil pastels are the gold standard of the medium, and there is a reason every artist who tries them describes them as drawing with lipstick. Invented in 1949 and famously used by Cézanne, Gauguin, Monet, Bonnard, Soutine, Picasso, and Modigliani, the Sennelier formula is one of the oldest and most refined in the world. The 12-stick Intro Set is the most affordable way to test that legacy.
The first time I touched a Sennelier stick, I understood why artists defend them so fiercely. The pigment load is enormous – one pass leaves a heavy, saturated layer that blends like butter. Because the binder is non-drying, the surface stays workable indefinitely, meaning you can lay down a portrait, leave it for hours, and come back to push the skin tones further without reworking the whole face. The sticks also work on wood, metal, and canvas, not just paper, which opens up mixed-media and sculptural approaches that other brands cannot match.
The honest downside is the price. Sennelier costs more per stick than almost any other oil pastel on the market, and the intro set only includes 12 colors. The sticks are also smaller than the size suggests in product photos. For a professional artist building a complete palette this adds up fast. Most Sennelier users treat the brand as a special-occasion stick for finished work and rely on Mungyo or Holbein for sketching and layering.
If you are a serious artist ready to invest in the best oil pastel money can buy, the Sennelier Intro Set is where to start. The 12-stick box lets you experience the brand’s legendary texture without committing to a full 48 or 96-color set, and most artists who try them end up adding more colors over time.
Who should buy this set
Professional artists, serious students, and collectors who want the highest pigment load and most archival lightfastness available in an oil pastel.
Who should skip it
Casual hobbyists, beginners still exploring the medium, and anyone who needs a wide color range for sketching at scale.
5. SAKURA Cray-Pas Expressionist Set of 50 – Best Mid-Tier Versatility
SAKURA Cray-Pas Expressionist Oil Pastel Set, 50 Sticks
50 sticks
Bright versatile colors
AP Seal non-toxic
Japanese quality
Pros
- Bright versatile colors for many techniques
- Creamy smooth application
- Suitable for blending layering and scratching
- Non-toxic AP Seal safe for younger users
- Original oil pastel since 1925
Cons
- Smaller stick size than competitors
- Not as creamy as ultra-soft brands
When I want a single set that handles blending, layering, and scratching techniques equally well, I reach for the SAKURA Cray-Pas Expressionist 50-pack. Sakura invented oil pastels back in 1925, and more than a century of refinement shows in how reliably these sticks perform across techniques. With 4.6 stars and more than 1,400 reviews, this set has earned its place in classrooms and studios worldwide.
The Expressionist line sits in the middle of the soft spectrum – soft enough to blend smoothly with finger or stump, firm enough to hold a clean edge for detail work and scratching techniques. I particularly like using these sticks for sgraffito, where you lay down a heavy color layer, let it set slightly, and scratch designs into the surface with a stylus. The 50-color range covers most standard palettes and includes enough duplicates for layering practice.
The AP Seal non-toxic certification makes this set a smart choice for shared classroom use, and the Japanese manufacturing quality means each stick is individually color-matrix tested before packaging. Reviewers frequently mention that they used these in school as kids and came back to them as adult artists – that kind of loyalty is rare in art supplies.
Where the Cray-Pas Expressionist falls short is in pure creaminess. Artists who have used Sennelier or Mungyo Gallery will notice the slightly firmer feel of these sticks. They also tend to be a bit shorter than competing sets at the same price point. For most intermediate work and technique exploration, however, this set is one of the most well-rounded options you can buy.
Who should buy this set
Intermediate artists exploring multiple techniques, art teachers stocking reliable classroom supplies, and hobbyists who want a versatile set from a historically significant brand.
Who should skip it
Artists who want the absolute creamiest, most pigment-heavy sticks available, and buyers looking for the largest stick size per dollar.
6. SAKURA Cray-Pas Junior Artist Set – Best for Kids and Classrooms
SAKURA Cray-Pas Junior Artist Soft Oil Pastels, 25 Color Set
25-color soft set
AP Seal non-toxic
Invented by Sakura in 1925
Pros
- Smooth and easy to blend
- Vibrant rich colors
- Perfect for young artists and beginners
- Affordable price point
- Non-toxic AP Seal safe for kids
- Versatile for school and home projects
Cons
- Sticks are small and crayon-sized
- Smudging is harder than softer brands
- Not top-tier quality but functional
For parents, teachers, and anyone introducing children to oil pastels, the SAKURA Cray-Pas Junior Artist 25-set is my top recommendation. Sakura is the original inventor of oil pastels, their AP Seal certification guarantees non-toxic safety, and the 4.7-star rating across more than 2,000 reviews confirms that families have trusted this set for years.
The sticks are smaller than adult-sized oil pastels, more like a chunky crayon, which makes them easier for small hands to grip and control. The texture is softer than a traditional crayon but firmer than ultra-creamy professional pastels, which means kids get satisfying color payoff without the mess of fully soft pastels. I have watched children as young as five use this set successfully with minimal parent supervision.
The Junior Artist set is also popular among adult artists who want a dedicated set for sketching thumbnails and layering studies. Many reviewers mention keeping a Cray-Pas Junior set on their desk alongside more expensive brands for quick color studies and warm-ups. The affordability of the 25-pack makes it easy to replace as colors get used up.
The main tradeoff is stick size – if you want a longer pastel for adult grip and broad coverage, look at the SAKURA Expressionist 50-pack instead. For pure kid-friendly fun, classroom use, and beginner safety, the Cray-Pas Junior Artist 25-set remains the gold standard.
Who should buy this set
Parents buying for kids ages 5 and up, classroom teachers stocking shared supplies, and adult artists who want an affordable sketch-and-study set.
Who should skip it
Professional artists who need maximum stick size and pigment density, and parents who would rather invest in one set the whole family shares.
7. Faber-Castell Blendable Oil Pastels – Best Student Set with Storage
Faber-Castell Blendable Oil Pastels In Durable Storage Case | Back to School Favorites | 24 Vibrant Colors – Non-Toxic Pastels for Kids
24 vibrant colors
Hexagonal shape with storage case
Recommended for ages 5+
Non-toxic acid-free
Pros
- Bright pigment-packed opaque colors
- Smooth and easily blendable texture
- Hexagonal shape prevents rolling and fatigue
- Durable snap-in storage case included
- Blending and shading guide included
- Non-toxic and acid-free
Cons
- Only 24 colors may limit range
- Smaller set than mid-tier competitors
Faber-Castell has been making art supplies for kids since the 1700s, and the design thought in their 24-color Blendable Oil Pastel Set shows it. The hexagonal ergonomic shape prevents the sticks from rolling off the desk and reduces hand fatigue during long art sessions. The included snap-in storage case keeps everything organized and portable, and a beginner-friendly blending guide helps new artists learn shading techniques. For students, this is the most thoughtfully designed set in this price range.
The colors are bright, opaque, and blendable – surprisingly pigment-heavy for a student-grade set at this size. I tested these on a 90 lb mixed-media paper sketchbook and got smooth gradients with simple finger blending. The non-toxic, acid-free formulation is certified safe for kids and recommended by art educators nationwide. With 4.6 stars across more than 2,000 reviews, the consensus from parents and teachers is overwhelmingly positive.
What makes this set stand out from similarly priced competitors is the storage case and instructional insert. Most budget oil pastel sets come in a flimsy cardboard box, but the Faber-Castell set snaps together into a reusable carrying case that holds up to repeated use. The included blending guide is genuinely useful for first-time artists learning how to layer and shade.
The honest limitation is the 24-color range, which is smaller than most of the 48-color sets on this list. For serious students who know they want a wide palette, the Mungyo Gallery or Artecho 48-packs offer more colors per dollar. For younger students and beginners just starting their first sketchbook, however, the Faber-Castell design and storage make it the most user-friendly choice.
Who should buy this set
Students ages 5 and up, parents who want a kid-safe set with built-in storage, art teachers who need portable classroom supplies, and beginners who appreciate the included blending guide.
Who should skip it
Artists who need a larger color range than 24 sticks, and buyers who would prefer a softer, ultra-creamy texture than this student-grade set provides.
8. MEEDEN Soft Oil Pastels Set of 48 + 4 White – Best Lightfastness Per Stick
MEEDEN Soft Oil Pastels Set: 48 Colors with Extra 4 White Smooth Oil Pastel
48 colors + 4 white (52 sticks)
Level-3 lightfastness
Individually wrapped sticks
Non-toxic
Pros
- 48 colors plus 4 bonus white pastels
- Soft creamy buttery texture - easy to blend
- Level-3 lightfastness for lasting artwork
- Individually wrapped sticks stay clean
- Non-toxic with no irritating smell
- Sturdy storage case included
Cons
- Black is not as dark as other brands
- Colors not sorted by hue family
- Color chart shows muted swatches vs actual colors
MEEDEN is one of the newer names on this list, but the brand has built a strong following among oil pastel artists who want Sennelier-like quality without the Sennelier price tag. The MEEDEN 48-color set ships with 4 bonus white pastels – addressing the single most common complaint in oil pastel sets – and carries a Level-3 lightfastness rating on every stick. That is rare at this price point and matters more than most buyers realize.
The texture is exactly what you want from a soft oil pastel: creamy, buttery, and easy to blend with finger, stump, or solvent. The 69mm sticks are individually paper-wrapped to prevent color crossing and keep hands clean. The non-toxic formulation has no irritating smell, which I appreciated after testing the Pentel and Mont Marte sets that both had noticeable initial scents.
The Level-3 lightfastness rating is the standout feature for me. Level 3 is considered “acceptable for professional work” under ASTM standards, meaning artwork made with these sticks should resist noticeable fading for years. That is a big upgrade from the typical student-grade set, and the closest thing to archival lightfastness you can find outside the premium tier. The included storage case is sturdy enough for studio use, and the 4 bonus white pastels solve the universal “ran out of white” problem.
The honest drawbacks are minor. The black is not as deep as Sennelier or Holbein black, so portraits and high-contrast work may need a darker stick. The colors are not sorted by hue family in the case, which makes finding specific shades slightly slower. The printed color chart is muted compared to the actual vibrant sticks, but that is more of a packaging note than a real quality issue.
Who should buy this set
Intermediate to advanced artists who want professional-grade lightfastness without paying premium-tier prices, portrait artists who go through white pastels quickly, and anyone building a long-term oil pastel collection.
Who should skip it
Buyers who need the darkest possible blacks for high-contrast work, and artists who want their color case pre-sorted by hue family for fast selection.
9. Mr. Pen Oil Pastels 45 Pack – Best for Layering Over Acrylics
Mr. Pen- Oil Pastels for Artists, 45 Pack, Assorted Colors
45 assorted colors
Wax/oil-based pigment
Non-toxic for ages 3+
Life-time warranty
Pros
- Vibrant colors with good pigment
- Affordable price for 45 colors
- Smooth application and easy smudging
- Works well as an overlay on acrylic paint
- Non-toxic and safe for kids
- Pairs well with softer brands for layering
Cons
- Harder texture than premium brands
- Some sticks break easily
- Blending is more difficult than ultra-soft sets
The Mr. Pen 45-pack is the set I recommend most often to mixed-media artists who want to layer oil pastels on top of acrylic paintings. Because the sticks are firmer than ultra-creamy brands, they hold their shape and color when dragged across a dry acrylic surface without smearing the underlying paint. At 45 colors for a budget-friendly price, it is also one of the best starter sets for kids and casual hobbyists.
In my testing, the Mr. Pen pastels applied cleanly over a fully dried acrylic underpainting, which is exactly what you want for mixed-media layering. The pigment is bold, the colors are vibrant, and the sticks are non-toxic with a kid-safe formulation. The life-time warranty is a nice touch that shows the brand stands behind the product.
The main limitation is the harder texture. If you are used to the creamy feel of Mungyo Gallery or Sennelier, Mr. Pen sticks will feel noticeably firmer. Finger blending is harder, and the pastels require more pressure to lay down a heavy layer. For pure oil pastel work on paper, a softer set like Mungyo or Artecho will give better results. For layering over acrylics, sketching quick color studies, or classroom use, however, the firmer texture is actually an advantage.
Another thing to know: the sticks break more easily than brands with paper sleeves or thicker cores. A few of mine snapped during normal use, though the life-time warranty covers replacements. If you are buying for kids who press hard, expect to replace a few sticks over the year.
Who should buy this set
Mixed-media artists layering over acrylics, parents buying a kid-safe set for ages 3 and up, hobbyists who want a firm stick for sketching and detail work, and artists looking for an affordable second set for layering studies.
Who should skip it
Artists who want the creamiest, most blendable texture available, and anyone planning heavy finger-blending techniques where soft pastels perform better.
10. Mont Marte Extra Soft Oil Pastels 120-Pack – Best Color Range
Mont Marte Extra Soft Oil Pastels Vibrant Hues Premium 120pc, Assorted Bright Colors, Vibrant, Buttery, Versatile Art Pastels for Blending, Layering & Shading, Art, Craft, Coloring and Sketching
120 vibrant colors
Ultra-soft buttery texture
Paper-wrapped sticks
Non-toxic
Pros
- Creamy ultra-soft texture blends like a dream
- Vibrant opaque colors
- Excellent value with 120 colors
- Versatile for blending layering shading sgraffito
- Paper-wrapped sticks keep hands clean
- Non-toxic
- Fills color gaps in other sets
Cons
- Slight lipstick-like smell when first opened
- Wrappers can be loose or unevenly applied
- Some non-traditional color choices and white duplicates
- Lightfastness not specified for professional work
If color range is your top priority, nothing on this list comes close to the Mont Marte Extra Soft 120-pack. One hundred and twenty distinct shades means you can find a tone for almost any subject, from subtle pastel skies to deep saturated portraits. The ultra-soft, buttery texture blends like a dream, and the paper-wrapped sticks keep hands clean during long sessions. For hobbyists who want maximum creative flexibility in 2026, this is the set to buy.
In my testing, the Mont Marte sticks had the creamiest texture of any budget-to-mid-tier set I tried. Finger blending is effortless, and the pigment lays down opaque coverage on the first pass. The set includes a wide range of pastels and mid-tones that fill color gaps in most other collections, which is why many artists buy it as a complementary set to Mungyo or Sennelier. With 4.7 stars across nearly 1,300 reviews, the consensus on quality is strong.
The Mont Marte set is also a great choice for technique exploration. Because the sticks are so soft, they support sgraffito, scumbling, and solvent-blended glazing as well as any premium brand. I tested all three techniques on a mixed-media board and got clean, controllable results.
There are a few honest drawbacks. The set gives off a slight lipstick-like smell when first opened, which fades within a day or two. The paper wrappers on some sticks are loose or unevenly applied, which can leave colored residue on your fingers. The color selection includes several non-traditional shades and a few duplicate whites rather than more useful color variety, which is why I recommend this as a complementary set rather than a primary palette. Finally, the lightfastness is not specified for professional archival work, so finished pieces should be framed under UV-protective glass.
Who should buy this set
Hobbyists and students who want maximum color range without buying multiple sets, artists looking for a complementary set to fill pastel tones in their existing palette, and anyone exploring technique variety from blending to sgraffito.
Who should skip it
Professionals who need documented lightfastness for gallery sales, and buyers who prefer a tightly curated 48 or 72-color set over a 120-piece collection.
How to Choose the Best Oil Pastel Set for You?
Picking the best oil pastel set comes down to five key factors: grade, texture, lightfastness, color range, and intended use. Understanding each factor before you buy will save you from ending up with a set that frustrates your practice.
Artist Grade vs Student Grade Oil Pastels
Artist-grade oil pastels use higher pigment loads, fewer fillers, and stricter lightfastness standards than student-grade sets. The result is more vibrant, archival-quality work that resists fading and holds its color over time. Student-grade pastels are more affordable because they use more fillers and lower-cost pigments, making them ideal for learning, sketching, and classroom use. If you are new to the medium, start with a student-grade set like the Mungyo Gallery or Artecho. If you are building a professional portfolio, invest in artist-grade sticks like Sennelier or MEEDEN’s Level-3 lightfastness set.
Soft vs Extra-Soft Texture
Soft oil pastels blend easily with fingers, paper stumps, or solvents and lay down heavy pigment fast. Extra-soft pastels like Mont Marte or Mungyo Gallery feel almost like lipstick – extremely creamy and pigment-rich, but they wear down faster and require a light touch for detail work. Firmer pastels like Cray-Pas Junior Artist or Mr. Pen hold a sharper edge for line work and resist smearing on top of dried acrylic underpainting. Match the texture to your style: soft for portraits and blending, firm for detail and mixed-media layering.
Lightfastness and Archival Quality
Lightfastness measures how well a pigment resists fading under UV light. ASTM rates lightfastness on a scale from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent), with Level 3 considered acceptable for professional work. If you plan to sell prints, exhibit work, or hang pieces in sunny rooms, choose a set with documented lightfastness like MEEDEN’s Level-3 rated pastels or premium brands like Sennelier and Holbein. For sketchbooks and practice work, lightfastness matters less and you can prioritize other features.
Color Range and Set Size
Most oil pastel sets ship in 12, 24, 25, 48, 50, or 120-color configurations. Beginners do well with 24-50 colors that cover the basic spectrum without overwhelming choice. Intermediate and serious artists often prefer 48 or 72-color sets for full palette flexibility. Large 120-color sets like the Mont Marte pack are useful for filling gaps in an existing collection rather than as a primary palette. Buy the size that matches your subject matter: portraits need lots of skin tones, landscapes need pastel sky and earth shades, abstract work needs vivid primary colors.
Best Paper and Surfaces for Oil Pastels
Oil pastels need tooth – a textured surface that grips the pigment. Skip thin printer paper, which buckles and smears under heavy layering. Instead, choose 140 lb (300 gsm) watercolor paper, dedicated pastel paper, or mixed-media paper for sketching. For finished work, mountable surfaces like Pastelbord or sanded pastel card hold more layers without warping. Canvas also works, especially for impasto techniques, though it uses more pastel than paper. Avoid smooth Bristol or coated cardstock – the pigment will not grip and you will be frustrated by sliding colors.
Blending Tools and Techniques
The simplest blending tool is your fingertip, which warms the wax binder and pushes pigment into the paper tooth. For more controlled blending, use paper stumps or tortillons. For large areas, soft cloths work well. For ultra-smooth gradients, odorless mineral spirits (OMS) or baby oil dissolve the binder temporarily and let you push pigment like wet paint – just let the piece dry fully before adding more layers. Try sgraffito by laying down a heavy color, letting it set, and scratching designs into the surface with a stylus or palette knife. Scumbling uses broken, overlapping layers of different colors to create texture. Each technique rewards a different pastel texture, so experiment across your collection.
Brands to Avoid and Red Flags
Not every oil pastel set is worth your money. Watch out for these red flags when shopping in 2026: sets with no brand name or manufacturer information, sticks that crumble under light pressure, colors that look gray or muddy straight out of the box, and sets that lack any safety certification. Avoid ultra-cheap unbranded sets sold by unknown sellers – they typically use the lowest-grade fillers and offer no consistency between sticks. If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What oil pastels do professional artists use?
Professional oil pastel artists overwhelmingly use Sennelier and Holbein, with Caran d’Ache Neopastels as a close third. These brands offer the highest pigment load, lightfastness, and blendability needed for archival-quality work. For professionals on a tighter budget, Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels and MEEDEN’s Level-3 lightfastness set offer near-professional performance at mid-tier prices.
Which brand of oil pastels is considered the best?
Sennelier and Holbein are widely considered the best oil pastel brands, both offering professional-grade pigment quality and lightfastness. Caran d’Ache Neopastels rank just behind for artists wanting firm control. For budget-conscious buyers, Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels are the most recommended option thanks to their creamy texture and exceptional color range at student-grade prices.
Are oil pastels good for beginners?
Yes – oil pastels are one of the most beginner-friendly mediums available. They require no brushes, no water, no solvents, and no setup. A beginner can pull a stick out of the box and start blending with their finger within seconds. Student-grade sets like Mungyo Gallery, Artecho, or Sakura Cray-Pas Expressionist are ideal starting points for anyone new to the medium.
What paper should I use with oil pastels?
Use thick, textured paper – 140 lb (300 gsm) watercolor paper or dedicated pastel paper works best for oil pastels. Avoid thin printer paper, which buckles and smears under heavy layering. For finished work, mountable surfaces like Pastelbord or sanded pastel card hold more layers without warping. Canvas also works for impasto techniques, though it uses more pastel than paper.
How do you blend oil pastels?
Blend oil pastels using: (1) your fingers for direct, intuitive blending; (2) paper stumps or tortillons for precision work and detail; (3) soft cloths for covering large areas quickly; and (4) odorless mineral spirits or baby oil for solvent-based smooth blending that lets you push pigment like wet paint. Each tool produces a slightly different finish, so experiment to find your preferred style.
Are oil pastels toxic?
Most modern oil pastels are non-toxic and meet ASTM D-4236 certification. They are safe for children when used as intended, though brands marketed specifically to kids include Sakura Cray-Pas Junior Artist, Faber-Castell Creative Studio, and Mr. Pen. Always check for the AP Seal certification from ACMI if you are buying for children or classroom use.
What is the difference between artist and student grade oil pastels?
Artist-grade oil pastels use higher pigment loads, fewer fillers, and superior lightfastness – producing more vibrant, archival-quality results. Student-grade pastels are more affordable, use more fillers, and may fade faster, but they are excellent for learning, sketching, and practice. For beginners, a quality student-grade set like Mungyo Gallery offers 80% of the professional experience at a fraction of the cost.
Final Verdict: Which Oil Pastel Set Should You Buy?
After testing 10 of the most popular oil pastel sets side by side in 2026, the Mungyo Gallery Artists’ Soft Oil Pastels 48-pack remains the single best oil pastel set for most artists. It delivers Sennelier-like creaminess, a generous 48-color range, and a price that any beginner or intermediate artist can justify. That is why it is our editor’s choice pick.
If you are buying for a child or classroom, grab the Sakura Cray-Pas Junior Artist 25-set or the Faber-Castell Blendable Oil Pastels with the storage case. If you are ready to invest in the absolute best professional quality, the Sennelier Oil French Pastel Intro Set is the gold standard. And if you want maximum color range without breaking the bank, the Mont Marte 120-pack fills any palette gap you can imagine. Whichever set you choose, the most important step is the next one: open the box, drag a stick across paper, and start blending.