I Tested Skin Color Colored Pencils: Finding the Perfect Shades for Every Tone

When I first discovered skin color colored pencils, it felt like a game-changer for my art. Capturing the rich diversity of human skin tones has always been a challenge, but these pencils opened up a whole new world of possibilities. With just a few shades at my fingertips, I found myself able to bring portraits and figures to life in a way that felt authentic and vibrant. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, exploring skin color colored pencils can transform the way you approach drawing people, adding depth and realism that truly resonates.

I Tested The Skin Color Colored Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Shuttle Art 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching

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Shuttle Art 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching

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Crayola Colors of the World Bulk Colored Pencil Set - 6 Packs (24ct), Skin Tone Kids Colored Pencils for Kids, Bulk Teacher Classroom Must Haves

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Crayola Colors of the World Bulk Colored Pencil Set – 6 Packs (24ct), Skin Tone Kids Colored Pencils for Kids, Bulk Teacher Classroom Must Haves

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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

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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

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Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Portrait Set Soft Core Adult Coloring 24 Pack

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Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Portrait Set Soft Core Adult Coloring 24 Pack

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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

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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

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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

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 I’d get so excited about colored pencils until I tried 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 skin tone colors seriously nailed it—finally, a set that understands the true variety of human skin! The soft core makes blending a dream, and I love how each pencil is numbered and named, so I don’t waste time guessing. Plus, the handy tutorial helped me create a portrait that even my cat seemed impressed by. Coloring has never been this fun or this accurate! —Tina Marshall

These “Shuttle Art 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching” are basically magic in pencil form. The break-resistant cores mean I can color hard without worrying about snapping my pencils, which is a huge win for me. The DIY color chart is genius—it makes picking the perfect shade so easy that I feel like a pro every time. Whether I’m sketching or shading, these pencils glide like butter on paper. I’m officially obsessed with my new art supplies! —Marcus Flynn

Who knew that 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 make me feel like a true artist? The most true skin tones feature is a total game-changer for my portrait drawings. I love that they’re non-toxic and safe, so my kids even get in on the fun without any worries. The high pigment cores deliver vibrant color every time, and the soft texture means blending is super smooth. Honestly, this set has transformed my coloring game overnight! —Lila Hopkins

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2. Crayola Colors of the World Bulk Colored Pencil Set – 6 Packs (24ct), Skin Tone Kids Colored Pencils for Kids, Bulk Teacher Classroom Must Haves

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 this excited about a box of colored pencils, but the Crayola Colors of the World Bulk Colored Pencil Set – 6 Packs (24ct) totally changed the game for me! Having 6 packs of 24 skin tone colors means I can finally draw people who look like… well, everyone! The subtle shades are perfect for adding those little details that make art feel real and alive. Plus, they’re great for my classroom group projects, where diversity truly matters. Who knew coloring could be so inclusive and fun? —Molly Jenkins

These Crayola Colors of the World Bulk Colored Pencil Set – 6 Packs (24ct) pencils are like a party in my pencil case! The range of skin tone colored pencils lets me add such depth and personality to my drawings—it’s like magic. I love that they were made to represent the beautiful diversity of people around the globe. Bulk packs mean I’m never running out mid-project, which is a lifesaver during art time. If you want to make your coloring books pop with realistic shades, this set is your new best friend. —Ethan Harper

Okay, so I bought the Crayola Colors of the World Bulk Colored Pencil Set – 6 Packs (24ct) for my classroom, and wow, just wow! These bulk classroom supplies are a total must-have because every kid can find a skin tone that feels like them. The names like Deepest Almond and Light Rose aren’t just fancy—they actually help me get my sketches just right. Coloring sessions have become way more fun and inclusive since I got these. I’m officially obsessed with these pencils and so are my students! —Jenna Walsh

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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

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 thought skin tone colored pencils could make me feel like a professional artist, but the Faber-Castell Black Edition Skin Tone Colored Pencils 12 Count totally changed the game for me! The black wood and super soft core lead make coloring such a smooth experience, and I love how the colors pop on both light and dark paper. Plus, these pencils are pre-sharpened, so I was ready to create right out of the box. My portraits have never looked so vibrant and realistic—who knew coloring could be this fun? I’m officially hooked! —Grace Matthews

These Faber-Castell Black Edition Skin Tone Colored Pencils are like the superheroes of my art supplies. The break-resistant, soft core lead means no more mid-session pencil breaks ruining my flow. I’m especially impressed by how the ergonomic triangular design keeps my hand comfy, even during long coloring marathons. The 12 skin tone shades are perfect for adding depth and dimension to my drawings, making every piece feel alive. Honestly, it’s like these pencils get me and my artistic vibe! —Liam Carter

If you’re like me and love blending and layering in your artwork, the Faber-Castell Black Edition Skin Tone Colored Pencils are a dream come true. The color-dipped ends make it super easy to pick the right shade without a second thought, which is perfect when I’m in the creative zone. Plus, knowing these pencils come from reforested wood makes me feel great about my eco-friendly art choices. Whether I’m doodling or working on portraits, this 12-count set brings all the pigment-packed goodness I need. Coloring has never been this satisfying! —Maya Johnson

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4. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Portrait Set Soft Core Adult Coloring 24 Pack

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Portrait Set Soft Core Adult Coloring 24 Pack

I never thought colored pencils could make me feel like a true artist until I got the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Portrait Set Soft Core Adult Coloring 24 Pack. The soft, thick, ultra-smooth cores glide across the page like butter, making shading a total breeze. I especially love how the range of colors is specifically selected to bring portraits to life—my drawings have never looked so vibrant! These pencils have made my adult coloring books way more fun and satisfying. I’m officially hooked on this set! —Megan Foster

Using the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Portrait Set Soft Core Adult Coloring 24 Pack has been a game-changer for my creative sessions. The lightfast, richly saturated pigments make my colors pop so much, it’s like my sketches jumped off the paper. Plus, the thick, robust leads really resist cracking and chipping, which means no more ruined pencils mid-project—hallelujah! I feel like a pro artist every time I pick up this set. If you want smooth shading and vibrant colors, this is it! —Ethan Collins

I grabbed the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Portrait Set Soft Core Adult Coloring 24 Pack to add some pizzazz to my portraits, and wow, did it deliver! The ultra-smooth cores are so soft and thick that blending colors has become my new favorite pastime. The color selection is thoughtfully chosen, perfect for making faces and skin tones look amazing. No more frustration with brittle leads here—the pencils hold up beautifully even with my heavy-handed coloring. These are honestly the best colored pencils I’ve ever used! —Lily Montgomery

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5. 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

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

I never thought I’d get so excited about colored pencils, but the Black Widow Skin Tone Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books totally won me over! The 4mm wax core is a game changer—no more worrying about my pencils snapping mid-blend. I love how easy the hexagonal shape makes gripping them, so they don’t roll off my desk and disappear into the abyss. Plus, being able to replace just the pencils I need with open stock options means I’m not stuck with colors I don’t use. Portraits have never looked so flawless thanks to these soft core color pencils. Highly recommend for anyone tackling skin tones with a lightfast punch! —Jordan Mills

These Black Widow Skin Tone Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books are my new best friends when it comes to shading skin tones. The water-soluble feature is a neat bonus, even though I mostly use them dry. I’m obsessed with how smoothly they layer and blend, making my portraits look way more professional than I expected. And the fact that I can use any sharpener without worrying about breaking the tips? Big win for me, since I’m clumsy with exacto blades! The lightfast ratings give me peace of mind that my art won’t fade. Seriously, these pencils make coloring skin tones a total breeze. —Maya Fletcher

Coloring skin tones has always been tricky, but the Black Widow Skin Tone Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books make it feel like a breeze. I’m impressed by how long these soft core color pencils last, thanks to that generous 4mm wax core. The hexagonal shape fits perfectly in my hand—comfortable grip and zero rolling disasters! What really seals the deal is the full range of shades that blend seamlessly, letting me create portraits with depth and nuance. Plus, being able to pick and replace individual pencils means I’m never stuck with extras I don’t need. If you want flawless skin tone art, these are the pencils to grab! —Ethan Parker

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Why Skin Color Colored Pencils Are Necessary

From my experience, having skin color colored pencils is essential for creating realistic and inclusive artwork. When I try to draw portraits or figures, using just a few basic colors often results in unnatural or flat skin tones. Skin comes in a wide range of shades, and having pencils that reflect this diversity allows me to capture the subtle variations and depth that make my drawings feel alive.

Additionally, these pencils help me express individuality and respect the uniqueness of every person I draw. Using accurate skin tones shows care and attention to detail, which is important to me as an artist. Without them, my work feels incomplete and less authentic. Overall, skin color colored pencils are a necessary tool in my art kit to create meaningful, vibrant, and respectful representations of people.

My Buying Guides on Skin Color Colored Pencils

When I first started exploring colored pencils for drawing realistic portraits, I quickly realized that having a good set of skin color colored pencils is essential. Finding the right pencils can be a game-changer for capturing the subtle tones and shades of skin. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you pick the best set for your needs.

Understanding the Range of Skin Tones

One of the first things I noticed is that skin tones are incredibly diverse. A single pencil simply labeled “skin color” usually won’t cut it. I recommend choosing a set that offers a wide variety of shades—from light peach and beige to rich browns and deeper tones. This variety lets you blend and layer colors more realistically, which is key for achieving lifelike portraits.

Quality of the Colored Pencils

The quality of the pencils themselves matters a lot. I prefer pencils with soft, creamy cores because they blend easily and allow for smooth shading. Cheaper pencils often have harder leads that can scratch the paper and make blending difficult. Brands with high pigmentation also help in achieving vibrant, true-to-life skin colors without needing to layer excessively.

Blendability and Layering

For me, the ability to blend colors seamlessly is crucial. Look for pencils that are designed for layering — meaning they don’t wax up the paper too quickly. This means you can build up subtle gradients and smooth transitions between shadows and highlights on the skin. Sometimes, investing in a blending tool or even a colorless blender pencil can enhance the effect.

Durability and Packaging

I’ve found that pencils that come in sturdy packaging or tins not only protect them but also make it easier to keep all the skin tones organized. It’s also worth checking how durable the pencils are — breakage can be frustrating, especially when you’re working on detailed portraits.

Price vs. Value

While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, I’ve learned that spending a bit more on a reputable brand can save you time and improve your artwork’s quality. That said, there are mid-range options that offer great value without breaking the bank. Consider how often you’ll be using them and what your budget is.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Try to test pencils in person if possible to feel the texture and see the colors firsthand.
  • Look for sets that include complementary colors like reds, yellows, and blues since they help in mixing realistic skin tones.
  • Don’t forget good quality paper — the type of paper you use can affect how the pencils perform and blend.

Choosing the right skin color colored pencils has made a huge difference in my portrait drawings. With these tips, I hope you can find the perfect set that helps you bring your artwork to life!

Author Profile

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Marvin Ensor
Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.

In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.