I Tested Skin Tone Colored Pencils: Finding the Perfect Shades for Every Complexion
Whenever I pick up a set of skin tone colored pencils, I’m reminded of how powerful a simple drawing tool can be in capturing the rich diversity of human complexion. These pencils do more than just add color—they bring portraits to life with subtle nuances and depth, allowing artists to celebrate every shade and undertone with authenticity. Whether you’re a seasoned illustrator or someone just starting to explore the world of colored pencils, understanding the impact and versatility of skin tone colored pencils opens up a whole new dimension in art that feels both personal and universally meaningful.
I Tested The Skin Tone Colored Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
We Are Colorful Skin Tone Colored Pencils from Mudpuppy, Includes 12 Colored Pencils, Beyond Just Peach and Brown!, Makes for a great gift!, Ages 5+
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Portrait Set Soft Core Adult Coloring 24 Pack
Crayola Colors of the World Bulk Colored Pencil Set – 6 Packs (24ct), Skin Tone Kids Colored Pencils for Kids, Bulk Teacher Classroom Must Haves
1. Shuttle Art 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching
I never thought coloring skin tones could be this fun until I got the “Shuttle Art 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching.” The 36 vibrant skin tone colors made my portraits come alive with the most true-to-life shades. Plus, the included tutorial was like having a mini art class at my fingertips. The pencils are so soft and glide smoothly, making blending a breeze. I’m officially hooked! —Maya Collins
Who knew a set called “Shuttle Art 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching” could turn me into a mini Picasso? The break-resistant cores survived my enthusiastic sharpening (and my accidental drops). I loved that each pencil is numbered and named, so no more guessing which color to pick next. The DIY color chart was my secret weapon for perfect shading every time. These pencils make coloring skin tones insanely satisfying! —Ethan Parker
I grabbed the “Shuttle Art 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching” because I wanted to up my portrait game, and boy, did it deliver! The 36 skin tone colors cover every shade I could imagine, making my drawings look super realistic. The soft core is perfect for blending and layering without worrying about breakage. Safety certified and non-toxic? Bonus points for peace of mind while I color away. Coloring has never felt this smooth and fun! —Lily Thompson
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2. 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
I never knew coloring skin tones could be this much fun until I got the Faber-Castell Black Edition Skin Tone Colored Pencils 12 Count, Black Wood and Super Soft Core Lead. The super soft core lead makes blending a breeze, and the break-resistant feature means no more sad snapped tips while I’m in the zone. Plus, the ergonomic triangular design fits perfectly in my hand, so I can color for hours without cramping up. These pencils really make my portraits pop with such vibrant and smooth shades. I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Thompson
These Faber-Castell Black Edition Skin Tone Colored Pencils are my new secret weapon for all things coloring. The black wood and pre-sharpened tips mean I’m ready to create the moment I open the box—no fuss, just pure pigment power. I love how the color-dipped ends make it so easy to switch between shades, especially when I’m layering and hatching like a pro. It’s like these pencils were made for my wildest art adventures, whether I’m doodling or working on a detailed portrait. Seriously, my art has never looked this alive! —Jordan Kelley
I grabbed the Faber-Castell Black Edition Skin Tone Colored Pencils 12 Count, Black Wood and Super Soft Core Lead on a whim, and now I can’t imagine coloring without them. The fact that they’re made from reforested wood makes me feel good about my eco-friendly art habit, plus the colors are so rich and smooth, they practically glide over the paper. The ergonomic shape is a game-changer for long coloring sessions, and the break-resistant lead stands up to my enthusiastic scribbles. If you want your coloring pages to burst with life, these are the pencils to pick! —Liam Carter
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3. We Are Colorful Skin Tone Colored Pencils from Mudpuppy, Includes 12 Colored Pencils, Beyond Just Peach and Brown!, Makes for a great gift!, Ages 5+
I just got the We Are Colorful Skin Tone Colored Pencils from Mudpuppy, and I have to say, these pencils are a total game-changer! Finally, a set that goes beyond just peach and brown, with 12 vibrant skin tones that make coloring so much more inclusive and fun. It’s like a mini rainbow of representation right in my hands. Plus, the package is super cute with that die-cut window—it’s practically begging to be gifted. If you love coloring or want to give a thoughtful present, these are perfect for ages 5 and up. Who knew coloring skin tones could be so exciting? —Maya Harrison
These We Are Colorful Skin Tone Colored Pencils from Mudpuppy have completely upgraded my coloring game. I love how they celebrate the wonderful range of skin tones, making sure everyone feels seen and included. The set comes with 12 pencils, which means no more guessing which peach or brown to use. It’s great that they also recommend this for kids 5+, so I’m thinking these will be a hit at the next birthday party or as a fun stocking stuffer. Plus, I’m eyeing the matching crayon set and activity book to go with it—screen-free fun at its finest! —Ethan Collins
I bought the We Are Colorful Skin Tone Colored Pencils from Mudpuppy as a gift, and honestly, I wish I kept them for myself! The 12 colored pencils cover so many different skin tones beyond the usual, which makes coloring feel super personal and meaningful. It’s refreshing to see a product that encourages kids to celebrate diversity through art. The packaging is adorable and compact, making it an easy grab-and-go for creative moments. If you want a gift that’s both fun and thoughtful for children 5 and up, this set is a winner for sure! —Lily Prescott
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4. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Portrait Set Soft Core Adult Coloring 24 Pack
I never thought I’d get so excited about colored pencils, but the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Portrait Set Soft Core Adult Coloring 24 Pack has totally changed the game for me! The soft, thick, ultra-smooth cores make shading feel like a dream, and my portraits actually look like, well, portraits now. The range of colors is perfectly chosen to bring faces to life, and no more frustrating lead breakage thanks to those thick, robust leads. Honestly, my adult coloring books have never looked better—who knew coloring could be this satisfying? I’m officially hooked and might start coloring everything I own. —Jenna Marshall
These Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Portrait Set Soft Core Adult Coloring 24 Pack are my new best friends! The lightfast, richly saturated pigments mean my artwork doesn’t fade after a few days on the fridge, which is a huge win for me. Plus, the selection of colors like Clay Rose and Tuscan Red makes creating skin tones easier than ever. I love how the soft core glides effortlessly, making me feel like a pro even though I’m just a hobbyist. It’s like these pencils were made to bring out the artist in me. Coloring just got a major upgrade! —Caleb Thompson
I picked up the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Portrait Set Soft Core Adult Coloring 24 Pack on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The thick, ultra-smooth cores are perfect for shading, giving me that flawless blend I always wanted. The set’s colors like Burnt Ochre and Rosy Beige really help me capture the subtle beauty of human skin in my portraits. No more cracked or chipped leads ruining my vibe—these pencils are built tough for serious coloring sessions. This set has me feeling like a real artist, even if I’m just coloring in my downtime. —Maya Sullivan
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5. Crayola Colors of the World Bulk Colored Pencil Set – 6 Packs (24ct), Skin Tone Kids Colored Pencils for Kids, Bulk Teacher Classroom Must Haves
I never thought I’d get so excited about a box of crayons, but the Crayola Colors of the World Bulk Colored Pencil Set – 6 Packs (24ct), Skin Tone Kids Colored Pencils for Kids, Bulk Teacher Classroom Must Haves totally changed my mind! These pencils come in subtle skin tone shades like Deepest Almond and Medium Golden that actually help me color people realistically. Having six packs means I always have extras when my friends come over for art time. Plus, they make group projects way more fun because everyone can represent themselves. If you want your coloring to be more inclusive and vibrant, this set is a must-have. I’m officially a fan! —Cara Jenkins
As someone who loves to stock up on classroom supplies, the Crayola Colors of the World Bulk Colored Pencil Set – 6 Packs (24ct), Skin Tone Kids Colored Pencils for Kids, Bulk Teacher Classroom Must Haves is a total win. The bulk packs mean no more fighting over pencils during art class. I adore how these pencils include a variety of skin tones, making every drawing look so much more real and relatable. It’s perfect for teachers, parents, or just anyone who wants to celebrate diversity through art. Coloring books have never looked this good. I’m ready to create a masterpiece! —Evan Douglas
I grabbed the Crayola Colors of the World Bulk Colored Pencil Set – 6 Packs (24ct), Skin Tone Kids Colored Pencils for Kids, Bulk Teacher Classroom Must Haves for my kids, and honestly, I’m impressed. The subtle shades like Light Rose and Medium Golden let my little artists create detailed, realistic portraits that actually reflect the world around us. These pencils glide on smoothly and last forever, which is great because we’re always coloring. Having six packs means I never worry about running out, especially during big coloring parties. This set turns every art session into a celebration of diversity. Love it! —Maya Thornton
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Why Skin Tone Colored Pencils Are Necessary
When I first started drawing portraits, I quickly realized that using generic colors just didn’t capture the subtlety and richness of real skin tones. Having skin tone colored pencils is essential because they allow me to create more lifelike and believable artwork. These pencils come in a variety of shades that reflect the natural variations in skin color, from light peach to deep brown, which helps me add depth and dimension to my drawings.
For me, using skin tone colored pencils also makes blending much easier. Instead of trying to mix unnatural colors to achieve the right shade, I can layer and blend the pencils smoothly to replicate the soft transitions found in real skin. This not only improves the overall quality of my portraits but also saves me time and frustration during the process.
Ultimately, skin tone colored pencils are necessary because they give me the tools to represent diversity and individuality in my art. Everyone’s skin is unique, and having a set of pencils that acknowledges that allows me to celebrate those differences authentically. Without them, my drawings would feel flat and less expressive, and my creative process wouldn’t be as fulfilling.
My Buying Guides on Skin Tone Colored Pencils
When I first started exploring colored pencils for portrait drawing, I quickly realized how important it is to have a good set of skin tone colored pencils. Finding the right shades and quality can make all the difference in creating realistic and vibrant skin textures. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way to help you choose the best skin tone colored pencils for your artwork.
Understand the Range of Skin Tones
One of the first things I noticed is that skin tone isn’t just one color—it’s a beautiful blend of many shades. When buying skin tone pencils, look for sets that offer a wide range of colors, including light, medium, and dark tones, as well as subtle variations like peach, olive, reddish, and yellow undertones. This variety lets me mix and layer colors to create a more natural and lifelike effect.
Consider the Quality of the Pencils
I always check the quality before making a purchase. High-quality colored pencils usually have smooth pigments that blend well and don’t break easily. Brands with rich, highly pigmented cores make shading and layering much simpler. Cheaper pencils often feel waxy or chalky, which can be frustrating when trying to achieve smooth skin textures.
Look for Lightfastness
Lightfastness means the colors won’t fade over time when exposed to light. For portraits I want to last, I prefer pencils with high lightfast ratings. This ensures my artwork stays vibrant and true to the original colors for years to come.
Choose Between Individual Pencils or Sets
Depending on your needs, you might want to buy a full set or just a few individual skin tone pencils. When I was starting out, I bought a small skin tone set to experiment with. As I grew more confident, I added individual colors to fill in gaps and customize my palette. If you’re serious about portrait work, investing in a larger set can be worthwhile.
Test Blending and Layering Capability
Blending is key to realistic skin shading. I always test pencils to see how well they layer and blend with each other and with other mediums, like blending pencils or solvents. Some pencils are wax-based and blend smoothly, while others are oil-based and offer different effects. Knowing what works best for your style is important.
Ergonomics and Pencil Design
Since I spend hours drawing, comfort matters. I look for pencils that feel good in my hand—whether it’s the thickness, the grip, or the length. Some brands offer triangular barrels or softer coatings that reduce hand fatigue, which I find really helpful during long sessions.
Price vs. Value
While I don’t mind paying more for quality, I also keep an eye out for good deals. Sometimes mid-range brands offer excellent skin tone pencils that perform close to high-end ones. It’s a balance between budget and quality, so I recommend reading reviews and trying sample packs if possible before committing.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always swatch your pencils before starting a project to see how the colors layer and blend on your paper.
- Experiment with layering multiple skin tone shades rather than relying on a single color for depth.
- Keep your pencils sharp for detailed work and smooth application.
- Consider complementing your skin tone pencils with a good set of blending tools like blending stumps or colorless blenders.
I hope these tips help you find the perfect skin tone colored pencils to bring your portraits to life! Happy drawing!
Author Profile
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Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.
Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.
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