This Swatch Life: Coloured Pencils Edition

I was recently asked if i have a favourite coloured pencil brand

Short answer: No. Long answer: I’m still testing. Still layering, blending, breaking the occasional lead, sharpening and testing colours like a scientist in an art studio.

Here’s the breakdown of this non-exhaustive list : 

Prismacolor Premier

The most buttery and satisfying. They glide across the page like soft pastels in pencil form. But wax bloom? Very real. And breakage? Let’s just say they’re fragile. I love them for rich colour and blending — but you need a light touch and patience. I still have pencil stubs from childhood. A school age classic. The chartreuse and magenta my most loved and replaced colours. Good for smaller hands since they are thinnest in the bunch.

Faber-Castell Polychromos

My current runner-up, and the most balanced so far. Oil-based, so no wax bloom. The cores are harder and stronger without being harsh, or requiring repeated sharpening, which makes them great for layering and detail. If Prismacolor is vivid indulgence, Polychromos, although slightly less vibrant, is practical without losing the joy with visible precise pencil strokes.

Faber-Castell Goldfaber

Polychromos’ younger sibling. Also not as intense in pigment, but solid if you want a dependable option without the Polychromos price tag.

Derwent Colorsoft

Although wax-based, these feel scratchy to me and tend to leave a dustier residue. I keep trying, but they just don’t glide. I look forward to retiring these from the pencil box.

Derwent Chromaflow is a recent wax-based addition I have yet to try, boast rich-blendable creamy pigments with smooth lay-down.

And, last but not least... Caran d’Ache Luminance

Are they worth it? Honestly… yes. As the most expensive of the wax-based options, most are smooth, quality pigments with thick cores. Generally smooth and even coverage. Burnt Ochre 10% is a dream, smooth and creamy. Cassel Earth? A bit gritty. But the barrels? Pure Caran d’Ache: elegance, well-made, beautiful to hold and display, and a dream to sharpen.

Each brand will vary on the paper used, from colouring books, to handbound notebooks and sketchbooks and across paper colour, types and textures, professional level and personal preference, and, of course, budget.

Maybe one day I’ll land on a clear favourite. For now, it’s an ongoing study in colour, texture, and feel — which, honestly, is half the fun.

Check out our previous review and blog post on Faber-Castell's Black Edition coloured pencils.

Stay swatching. Stay creative.

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