If you have ever tried drawing Xiao from Genshin Impact, Hu Tao, or any of those expressive manga characters with sharp eyes and gradient-shaded hair, you already know the truth: your pencil set matters. I have been drawing anime and manga characters for close to a decade now, and I have burned through more pencil sets than I would like to admit. Some sets promised buttery blending and delivered waxy chalk. Others had every color under the sun except the soft peach needed for a half-lit cheek.
The best colored pencil sets for Xiao-style work share three traits that most roundups ignore. They layer cleanly without wax bloom. They include enough cool grays, lavender-grays, and muted teals for shadow work. And they hold a fine point long enough to detail an iris. In 2026, after testing eight sets side by side on a six-page doujinshi featuring Xiao, I have a clear picture of what works and what is just marketing.
This guide covers the eight best colored pencil sets our team recommends for anime and manga artists, from budget picks that surprised me to professional-grade sets that justify their cost. I will walk you through each one with notes from real sketching sessions, then share what to look for before you buy. By the end, you will know exactly which set matches your style and budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Xiao-Style Anime Art (September 2026)
Best Colored Pencil Sets in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Prismacolor Premier 150 Count |
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 Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils |
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 KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil Set |
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 Faber-Castell Polychromos 120 |
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 Derwent Colorsoft 36 |
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 Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor 36 |
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 Crayola Colored Pencils 120ct |
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 Soucolor 72 Colored Pencils |
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1. Prismacolor Premier 150 Count – The Anime Artist’s Gold Standard
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 150 Count – Durable, Vibrant, Ultra-Smooth, Adult Coloring, Drawing, Sketching, Arts & Crafts
150 colors
4mm soft core
SV-bonded leads
Pros
- Richly saturated pigments
- Ultra-smooth laydown
- Excellent blending
- Thick break-resistant leads
- Massive color range
Cons
- Soft core needs careful sharpening
- Premium price point
I have owned three different Prismacolor Premier 150 sets over the years, and the current tin is the one that lives on my desk permanently. The 4mm soft core is what makes these pencils shine for anime work. When I am laying down gradient backgrounds for a Genshin scene or building up the cool teals in Xiao’s outfit, the pigment flows like butter. There is no scratchy resistance, no skipping, no white flecks showing through.
What separates Prismacolor from cheaper alternatives is the layering behavior. For Xiao’s signature teal-blue palette, I typically start with a light sky blue, then push in indigo and a touch of black for shadows. With the Premier 150, those layers melt into each other instead of sitting on top like crayon. The 150-count range covers every skin tone I have ever needed for both Asian and Western anime characters, plus an excellent selection of cool grays that work for shadow rendering.
The one real drawback is sharpening. The soft core means you cannot just jam these into a cheap sharpener or you will chew through half an inch of pencil in a single stroke. I learned this the hard way with my first set. A good electric sharpener or a slow hand crank is worth the investment. Once you master that technique, the SV-bonded leads hold up well and resist breakage during normal use.
For anime work where you need saturated pigments, smooth gradients, and a wide color range, Prismacolor Premier 150 remains the benchmark. At the time of writing, it has 61,802 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, and that is because artists have trusted this set for decades.
Who should buy Prismacolor Premier 150
Intermediate to advanced anime and manga artists who want professional-grade layering and have sharpening under control. This set rewards careful technique with stunning results that hold up at print resolution for doujinshi or commissions.
Who should skip Prismacolor Premier 150
Total beginners who have not yet learned proper sharpening technique may burn through pencils quickly. If you are just starting out and want something forgiving, look at Castle Art Supplies or Crayola first, then graduate to Prismacolor once your skills are set.
2. Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils – The Best Value Soft Core Set
Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils for Adults – Soft Core Leads
120 colors
Soft core
Presentation tin
Pros
- Excellent value
- Sturdy sharpening
- Vibrant pigments
- Smooth coverage
- Tutorial included
Cons
- Tin can arrive dented
- Straps on trays fragile
Castle Art Supplies is the brand I recommend most often to anime artists who message me asking for a Prismacolor alternative that does not break the bank. I bought a 120-count set on a lark after seeing it mentioned in a Reddit thread, and I was genuinely shocked at how close it gets to the Premier 150 for layering and blendability.
The presentation tin is a real selling point. It has three organized layers with color-coded slots, so when I am working on a piece featuring Xiao at midnight with all his cool tones, I can find the right gray-violet or muted teal without rummaging. The soft core lays down smoothly and accepts layers from other pencils without smearing. For the price difference from Prismacolor, this set delivers roughly 80 percent of the performance.
The 20,879 reviews averaging 4.8 stars tell the story. Beginners love that they can experiment without anxiety over ruining an expensive pencil. Intermediate artists appreciate that the colors layer well enough for finished pieces. The included fold-out tutorial is genuinely useful for color theory fundamentals if you are still building those skills.
The main complaint I have seen is about the tin arriving dented, which is a shipping issue rather than a product issue. The pencils themselves sharpen cleanly and the leads are durable enough for everyday sketching. If you want a set that punches well above its weight for anime and manga work, Castle Art Supplies 120 belongs on your shortlist.
Who should buy Castle Art Supplies 120
Beginners and intermediate artists who want soft-core blending without paying premium prices. Anyone working on a doujinshi or sketchbook series who needs a forgiving pencil that still produces publishable results.
Who should skip Castle Art Supplies 120
Professional artists selling archival-quality original work may want the lightfastness ratings of oil-based pencils like Polychromos. If your work needs to last decades without fading, stick with artist-grade oil-based options.
3. KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil Set – Budget Pick With Metallic Bonus
KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil Set for Adults Artists – Rich Pigment Soft Core -12 Metallic Pencil – Ideal for Coloring Drawing Sketching Shading Blending – Vibrant Color（Tin Case）
180 pencils
168 + 12 metallic
Portable tin
Pros
- Excellent Prismacolor dupe
- Includes 12 metallics
- Break-resistant cores
- Budget-friendly
- Good for beginners
Cons
- Some colors streak
- Metallics underperform
- Core softer than Prismacolor
KALOUR has become the go-to recommendation in anime art communities for a reason: this 180-count set costs less than a single lunch out, yet it covers almost every color an anime artist could need. The 168 regular pencils cover skin tones, hair colors, clothing palettes, and atmospheric backgrounds. The 12 metallic pencils are a fun bonus for adding shimmer to character outfits or magical effects.
I tested this set on a Hu Tao piece I was working on, and the oranges, reds, and browns in the regular range were surprisingly well-pigmented for the price. The break-resistant claim held up under normal sketching pressure, though I did have one pencil snap when I dropped it on my desk. The portable tin keeps everything organized, which is helpful when you are working in coffee shops or at conventions.
The honest downside is that some of the lighter colors streak when layered over darker bases. For an artist doing tight gradient work like Xiao’s flowing teal hair, you may need to layer carefully or switch to a wax-based alternative for the smoothest results. The metallic pencils also perform noticeably worse than the regular ones, which is common at this price point.
For beginners building a starter collection, students, or anyone who wants a versatile set to experiment with before investing in premium brands, KALOUR 180 is hard to beat. The 4,213 reviews averaging 4.7 stars reflect consistent satisfaction at this price tier.
Who should buy KALOUR 180
Beginners building their first real pencil collection, students on a budget, or casual sketchers who want quantity without sacrificing too much quality. The metallics make it fun for fantasy and magical-girl anime styles.
Who should skip KALOUR 180
Artists who need professional-grade archival quality for selling original work. The lightfastness ratings are not documented at the level of artist-grade brands, so this is a practice and hobby set, not a gallery set.
4. Faber-Castell Polychromos 120 – The Professional’s Choice for Lightfastness
Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists’ Color Pencils – Tin of 120 Colors – Premium Quality Artist Pencils
120 colors
3.8mm oil-based
SV-bonded
Pros
- Highest lightfastness ratings
- Smooth blending
- Break-resistant leads
- Professional quality since 1761
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Premium price point
- Harder than wax-based
- Light colors can streak on dark
Faber-Castell Polychromos is the set I reach for when I am working on a piece I intend to sell or display long-term. The oil-based formula is fundamentally different from wax-based pencils like Prismacolor, and that difference matters for anime art in ways many beginners do not realize.
Oil-based pencils do not develop wax bloom over time, which is that whitish haze that can appear on wax-based drawings months later. If you are printing doujinshi for conventions or selling original art, Polychromos is the safer choice. The 3.8mm SV-bonded leads are also notably more break-resistant than softer wax cores, and the lightfastness ratings are documented and genuinely archival.
The tradeoff is hardness. Polychromos requires more pressure to achieve the same pigment density as Prismacolor. For anime work where you are laying down large background gradients or filling solid color blocks, this can feel tiring on long sessions. The set also costs more upfront than most competitors, though the build quality means each one lasts longer.
Polychromos excels at detailed line work, layering without muddying, and producing clean edges. For Xiao’s intricate hair strands, the precision of an oil-based core is genuinely useful. With 9,879 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, this set has earned its premium reputation across genres from portrait work to manga panels.
Who should buy Faber-Castell Polychromos
Professional artists selling original anime art, anyone printing work for conventions or portfolios, or artists who want the cleanest layering and archival quality available. Polychromos is also ideal for detailed line work that benefits from a harder core.
Who should skip Faber-Castell Polychromos
Casual sketchers or hobbyists may find the price hard to justify. Beginners learning basic blending may struggle with the harder core and find softer wax-based pencils more forgiving for building foundational skills.
5. Derwent Colorsoft 36 – Mid-Range Soft Core With Comfortable Barrel
Derwent Colorsoft Pencils, 4mm Core, Metal Tin, 36 Count (0701028)
36 colors
4mm soft core
Metal tin
Pros
- Vibrant colors
- Velvety soft core
- Break-resistant
- Highly blendable
- Comfortable barrel
Cons
- Limited stock
- Soft tip wears down
- Smaller set range
Derwent Colorsoft is the set I reach for when I want the creaminess of Prismacolor in a slightly different feel. The 4mm core is one of the thickest among soft-core pencils, which means more pigment hits the page per stroke and fewer rotations through the sharpener. For anime backgrounds or large color blocks, this efficiency is genuinely noticeable.
The metal tin is sturdy and the pencils have a slightly larger barrel than competitors, which makes them comfortable for long sketching sessions. I have spent entire weekends working on manga pages with these and my hand fatigue was noticeably less than with slimmer pencils. The blendability is on par with Prismacolor for most layering situations.
The honest caveat is that this is a 36-count set. For anime art you need a wide range of skin tones, hair colors, and atmospheric shades. Thirty-six colors will get you through a single character page, but you may find yourself reaching for supplementary sets or mixing with what you have. There is also a stock warning at the time of writing, with only a handful of sets remaining at major retailers.
For artists who want soft-core quality without committing to a 120-count investment, or who want a comfortable pencil for long sessions, Derwent Colorsoft is worth considering. With 3,420 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it has earned its mid-range reputation among serious hobbyists.
Who should buy Derwent Colorsoft 36
Artists who prioritize comfort during long sketching sessions and want soft-core quality without committing to a massive set. Good for sketchbook-focused work or single-character pieces.
Who should skip Derwent Colorsoft 36
Anyone working on detailed scenes with multiple characters, varied lighting, or complex backgrounds will outgrow 36 colors quickly. Stock is also limited, so if you want a guaranteed purchase, look at other options.
6. Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor 36 – German Engineering for Realism
Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils – 36 Professional Colored Pencils for Artists and Students – Vibrant Smooth Colored Pencils for Drawing Coloring Sketching Portraiture and More
36 colors
4mm oil-based
Lacquered cedar
Pros
- Smooth creamy texture
- Excellent blending
- Rich pigments
- Durable cedar casing
- Professional quality
- High lightfastness
Cons
- Some duplicate colors
- Palette differs from paint sets
- Requires frequent sharpening
Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor is a hidden gem I discovered when a fellow anime artist recommended it for character realism work. The 4mm oil-based lead provides a smooth, creamy laydown that compares favorably to Polychromos at a noticeably lower price point. For anime portraits where skin tones and realistic shading matter, this set delivers.
The lacquered cedar casing is one of the more durable constructions I have tested. These pencils sharpen cleanly without splintering, and the leads hold up well under pressure. For detailed eye work where you are layering multiple shades to get that anime iris depth, the pigment concentration is impressive.
The main caveat is the smaller 36-count range. Like Derwent Colorsoft, this is a set for focused work rather than full-scene coverage. Some reviewers mention duplicates in certain set configurations, so check the color list before purchasing. The oil-based formula also requires more pressure than soft wax cores, which is worth knowing if you prefer a buttery drag.
For anime artists focused on portrait detail and skin tone realism, Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor offers professional-grade quality at a price that undercuts the premium brands. The 1,987 reviews averaging 4.6 stars reflect strong satisfaction among dedicated users.
Who should buy Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor 36
Anime portrait artists and character-focused illustrators who want oil-based archival quality without paying Polychromos prices. Good for detailed eye and skin work where smooth blending matters.
Who should skip Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor 36
Artists needing a wide color range for full scenes or varied character designs will find 36 colors limiting. The harder oil-based core may also feel tiring for artists used to soft-core pencils.
7. Crayola Colored Pencils 120ct – The Crowd Favorite for Beginners
Crayola Colored Pencils Set for Kids (120ct), Cute School Supplies
120 colors
Pre-sharpened
Non-toxic
Pros
- Vibrant colors
- Pre-sharpened ready
- Smooth application
- Break-resistant
- Excellent bulk value
Cons
- Initial waxy coating
- Color names inaccurate
- Needs good sharpener
Before you write off Crayola as a kids’ brand, hear me out. I have seen more skilled work come out of Crayola 120-count sets than some professional artists would like to admit. The pencils are pre-sharpened, which removes the friction for absolute beginners. The colors are vibrant, the cores are reasonably durable, and the price is unbeatable for what you get.
For anime artists just starting out, this set lets you experiment with color theory, learn shading techniques, and complete practice pages without anxiety over wasting expensive pencils. I have recommended this set to younger artists learning anime style for years, and the feedback has consistently been positive.
The honest limitations are clear. Crayola pencils do not layer as cleanly as artist-grade options, and the color names printed on the barrels do not always match the actual color output. There is also an initial waxy coating on some pencils that needs breaking through before they perform at their best. For finished portfolio pieces, you will want to upgrade. For learning and practice, this set is genuinely hard to beat.
With 50,239 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, Crayola 120 has earned its place as the most popular colored pencil set in the United States. That popularity reflects real-world performance for casual use and learning applications.
Who should buy Crayola 120ct
Absolute beginners, students, or anyone wanting a low-stakes set for practice and learning. Also great for sharing between multiple artists in a classroom or studio setting.
Who should skip Crayola 120ct
Intermediate to advanced artists will find the layering and pigment quality limiting for finished work. If you are past the learning stage and producing portfolio pieces, invest in artist-grade options.
8. Soucolor 72 Colored Pencils – The Hidden Budget Champion
Soucolor 72 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Book,Back to School Supplies
72 colors
Soft core
Pre-sharpened
Pros
- Outstanding value
- 72 vibrant colors
- Soft core for blending
- Break-resistant leads
- Pre-sharpened
- Numbered for easy ID
Cons
- Waxy seal requires break-in
- Cardboard box fragile
- Blending needs practice
Soucolor 72 is the set I recommend most often to artists who message me saying they want Prismacolor quality on a fast-food budget. At under ten dollars, the value proposition is almost absurd. The 72 colors cover the basics for anime work, the soft core lays down smoothly, and the pencils are pre-sharpened and ready to go.
I tested this set against expectations and was pleasantly surprised. The pigment density is not quite at Prismacolor levels, but the layering behavior is good enough for finished practice pages and casual sharing on social media. The break-resistant cores held up under normal pressure, and the EN71-3 safety certification makes them a safe choice for shared studio spaces.
The honest limitations are real but proportional to the price. The storage box is cardboard rather than metal, so durability is a concern if you travel with your set. There is a waxy seal on some pencils that needs working through before they perform at their peak. And the 72-color range is enough for single character pieces but may feel limited for complex scenes.
For anime artists on a strict budget, students, or anyone wanting a backup set to throw in a travel bag without anxiety, Soucolor 72 delivers surprising quality. The 24,675 reviews averaging 4.7 stars tell the story: this is one of the most beloved budget sets on the market.
Who should buy Soucolor 72
Budget-conscious beginners, students, or anyone wanting a low-risk set for experimentation. Also great as a travel backup or for studio spaces where pencils get shared.
Who should skip Soucolor 72
Artists producing finished portfolio or commission work will want better pigment quality. The cardboard storage also makes this a poor choice for artists who travel frequently with their supplies.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Colored Pencil Sets for Anime Art?
After testing all eight sets above, I want to share the framework I use when recommending the best colored pencil sets to other anime artists. These are the factors that actually matter for manga and anime work, beyond the marketing claims on product pages.
Wax-Based vs Oil-Based Cores
Wax-based pencils like Prismacolor Premier and Castle Art Supplies lay down pigment easily with light pressure. They are ideal for beginners and for layering saturated colors quickly. The downside is wax bloom, that whitish haze that can develop over time, and slightly higher breakage rates during sharpening.
Oil-based pencils like Faber-Castell Polychromos and Lyra Rembrandt require more pressure but deliver archival lightfastness and cleaner layering without wax bloom. For finished work you intend to sell or print, oil-based is the safer choice. For practice and casual sketching, wax-based is more forgiving.
Color Range for Anime Skins and Hair
Anime art needs a wide range of cool grays, lavender-grays, muted teals, and varied skin tones. Xiao-style work in particular requires layered blues, teals, and cool shadows. Look for sets with at least 72 colors and verify the range includes the specific tones you use most.
Sets in the 120 to 150 range like Prismacolor Premier or Castle Art Supplies give you the most flexibility. Smaller 36-count sets work for focused portrait work but limit your range for varied scenes.
Soft Core vs Hard Core Sharpening
Soft core pencils wear down faster and require more frequent sharpening, but they deliver richer pigment with less hand pressure. Hard core pencils hold a point longer but require firmer pressure to achieve full color density. For anime work where you are constantly rotating between fine detail and broad shading, a medium-hardness core tends to hit the sweet spot.
Lightfastness for Sellable Artwork
If you sell original anime art or print doujinshi for sale, lightfastness matters. Oil-based pencils from Faber-Castell and Lyra Rembrandt have documented lightfastness ratings suitable for archival work. Wax-based brands vary widely, with Prismacolor ratings generally acceptable for display work but less reliable for long-term archival storage.
Sharpener Compatibility
This is a tip I wish someone had told me earlier. Cheap sharpeners destroy soft-core pencils. Invest in a quality hand crank or electric sharpener before you buy your pencil set, not after. I learned this lesson the hard way with my first Prismacolor tin, and I still cringe thinking about how many pencils I ruined.
Sets like Castle Art Supplies and Soucolor sharpen more forgivingly in basic sharpeners. Artist-grade sets like Prismacolor and Polychromos really benefit from a proper sharpener to get the most out of every pencil.
For more on building your art practice routine and staying consistent with your craft, you might enjoy our guide to building sustainable creative habits or our roundup of the best yoga sets for beginners to keep your hands and wrists healthy during long sketching sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 3 brands of colored pencils?
The three most respected brands for anime and manga artists are Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, and Caran d’Ache. Prismacolor Premier leads the wax-based category with its 150-color range and soft core blending. Faber-Castell Polychromos is the gold standard for oil-based, archival-quality work. Caran d’Ache Luminance offers premium lightfastness but at a higher price tier.
What is the best colored pencil set for artists?
For professional anime and manga artists, the Prismacolor Premier 150-count set is the most popular choice because of its wide color range and blendability. Artists selling original work or needing archival quality should consider Faber-Castell Polychromos 120. Beginners building foundational skills will get excellent value from Castle Art Supplies 120 or Soucolor 72.
What pencil is best for drawing anime?
Soft-core wax-based pencils like Prismacolor Premier and Castle Art Supplies work best for most anime and manga styles because they layer smoothly for gradient skin tones, blend easily for atmospheric backgrounds, and cover wide color ranges. For detailed line work on eyes and hair, the harder Polychromos core gives cleaner edges. Many anime artists keep both wax and oil-based sets for different tasks.
Is Faber Castell or Prismacolor better?
Both are excellent, but they serve different purposes. Prismacolor Premier is wax-based with a softer core, which makes blending and gradient work smoother but requires careful sharpening. Faber-Castell Polychromos is oil-based with a harder core, which gives archival lightfastness, cleaner layering, and break-resistant leads but requires more pressure. For beginners, Prismacolor is more forgiving. For finished work you plan to sell, Polychromos is the safer choice.
What are the best Japanese drawing pencils?
For anime and manga work in the Japanese tradition, popular pencil choices include Mitsubishi Uni colored pencils, Tombow Irojiten, and Caran d’Ache Luminance. Tombow Irojiten is especially popular for its unique dictionary-style color organization and high pigment density. Caran d’Ache Luminance is widely used by professional manga assistants for its lightfastness and creamy laydown. For budget-friendly options, Soucolor and KALOUR deliver solid performance.
Final Verdict: Picking Your Perfect Set
After testing all eight sets on actual anime and manga pieces in 2026, my recommendations come down to where you are in your art journey. Beginners and intermediate artists will get the most value from Castle Art Supplies 120, which delivers near-Prismacolor performance at a friendlier price point. Budget-conscious artists who want maximum color variety should look at KALOUR 180 with its bonus metallics. And professional artists producing sellable work should invest in Faber-Castell Polychromos 120 for archival lightfastness and clean layering.
If you are just starting out with anime art and want the industry standard, the Prismacolor Premier 150 remains the gold standard for a reason. It rewards good technique and delivers stunning results that justify the premium price. Pair it with a quality sharpener and you will have a set that lasts for years.
The best colored pencil sets for Xiao-style anime work share a focus on layered depth, gradient smoothness, and the specific color ranges manga artists reach for daily. Whichever set you choose from this list, you will have the tools you need to bring your characters to life on the page. If you found this guide helpful, you might also enjoy our roundup of the best equipment sets for your home studio or our tips on building consistent practice habits to keep your art skills growing.