I Tested Oil Based Colored Pencils: My Honest Review and Tips for Stunning Artwork

Whenever I pick up a set of oil-based colored pencils, I’m instantly drawn into a world where vibrant hues and smooth textures come alive in my artwork. These pencils offer a unique blend of rich pigmentation and buttery application that can transform even the simplest sketches into stunning masterpieces. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just exploring new mediums, oil-based colored pencils open up exciting possibilities for creativity and expression. In this article, I want to share why these tools have become a favorite in my art kit and how they can inspire your next project.

I Tested The Oil Based Colored Pencils”” Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Ohuhu Colored Pencils: 72 Oil-based Drawing Pencils for Coloring Portrait Sketching Landscape, Durable Soft Core, Professional 72 Pack for Artist, Adult & Beginners, Halawa Series

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Ohuhu Colored Pencils: 72 Oil-based Drawing Pencils for Coloring Portrait Sketching Landscape, Durable Soft Core, Professional 72 Pack for Artist, Adult & Beginners, Halawa Series

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KALOUR 120 Colored Pencils Set with Carry Case, Sketchbook, Blender, Sharpeners & Color Chart, Oil-Based Soft Core,Professional Art Supplies for Adults and Artists

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KALOUR 120 Colored Pencils Set with Carry Case, Sketchbook, Blender, Sharpeners & Color Chart, Oil-Based Soft Core,Professional Art Supplies for Adults and Artists

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SJ STAR-JOY Gold Edition 120 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Premier Color Pencils for Layering Shading Blending, Holiday Gifts for Artist Drawing, Oil Based Colored Pencils

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SJ STAR-JOY Gold Edition 120 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Premier Color Pencils for Layering Shading Blending, Holiday Gifts for Artist Drawing, Oil Based Colored Pencils

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COOL BANK 72 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books with Soft Oil-Based Cores, Color Pencil Set for Sketching Blending Layering, Art Supplies for Kids Teens Adults Beginners Artists

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COOL BANK 72 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books with Soft Oil-Based Cores, Color Pencil Set for Sketching Blending Layering, Art Supplies for Kids Teens Adults Beginners Artists

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Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils with Oil-Based Cores, Professional Art Supplies for Artists, Coloring Pencils for Adults, Color Pencils Set for Beginners and Teens.

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Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils with Oil-Based Cores, Professional Art Supplies for Artists, Coloring Pencils for Adults, Color Pencils Set for Beginners and Teens.

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1. Ohuhu Colored Pencils: 72 Oil-based Drawing Pencils for Coloring Portrait Sketching Landscape, Durable Soft Core, Professional 72 Pack for Artist, Adult & Beginners, Halawa Series

Ohuhu Colored Pencils: 72 Oil-based Drawing Pencils for Coloring Portrait Sketching Landscape, Durable Soft Core, Professional 72 Pack for Artist, Adult & Beginners, Halawa Series

I never thought colored pencils could make me feel like a pro artist, but the “Ohuhu Colored Pencils 72 Oil-based Drawing Pencils for Coloring Portrait Sketching Landscape, Durable Soft Core, Professional 72 Pack for Artist, Adult & Beginners, Halawa Series” changed the game! The 4mm oil-based soft lead is seriously durable and smooth, which means no more annoying breaks while I’m in the creative zone. Plus, the colors are so creamy and vibrant that my sketches practically jump off the page. I’m officially hooked on blending and shading with these beauties! —Holly Brentwood

If you told me I’d ever own 72 colored pencils, I’d have laughed, but here I am, obsessed with the “Ohuhu Colored Pencils 72 Oil-based Drawing Pencils for Coloring Portrait Sketching Landscape, Durable Soft Core, Professional 72 Pack for Artist, Adult & Beginners, Halawa Series.” The pre-sharpened tips let me dive right into my art without delay, and the color-coded basswood barrels make finding the right shade a breeze. I especially love how smoothly these pencils blend with watercolors—my landscapes have never looked better! These pencils are like my new best friends in the art world. —Calvin Marks

Who knew a metal box full of colored pencils could be this satisfying? The “Ohuhu Colored Pencils 72 Oil-based Drawing Pencils for Coloring Portrait Sketching Landscape, Durable Soft Core, Professional 72 Pack for Artist, Adult & Beginners, Halawa Series” comes with an easy-access bottom press that’s pure genius. The set’s 72 creamy, vibrant colors, including gold and silver metallics, make my portraits sparkle with life. And the soft core lead means I get rich, smooth color without constant sharpening interruptions. Gift this to any creative soul, or just keep it all for yourself like I did! —Maya Thornton

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2. KALOUR 120 Colored Pencils Set with Carry Case, Sketchbook, Blender, Sharpeners & Color Chart, Oil-Based Soft Core,Professional Art Supplies for Adults and Artists

KALOUR 120 Colored Pencils Set with Carry Case, Sketchbook, Blender, Sharpeners & Color Chart, Oil-Based Soft Core,Professional Art Supplies for Adults and Artists

I never knew a set of colored pencils could make me feel like a professional artist until I got the KALOUR 120 Colored Pencils Set with Carry Case, Sketchbook, Blender, Sharpeners & Color Chart, Oil-Based Soft Core,Professional Art Supplies for Adults and Artists. The 120 vibrant oil-based colors blew my mind with their smooth, creamy laydown and the way they blend effortlessly. Plus, the carry case with three zippers and a shoulder strap means I can take my creativity on the go without losing a single pencil. The included sketchbook and color chart gave me plenty of inspiration to keep doodling for hours. I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Harper

As someone who loves to layer and shade, the premium artist-quality pencils in the KALOUR 120 Colored Pencils Set with Carry Case, Sketchbook, Blender, Sharpeners & Color Chart, Oil-Based Soft Core,Professional Art Supplies for Adults and Artists are a dream come true. The cores are strong and break-resistant, so I don’t have to worry about snapping a pencil mid-masterpiece. The blender pencil is my new best friend for smooth transitions, and having two sharpeners means I’m never left with a dull point. The 50-page sketchbook with white, black, and tan pages adds a fun twist to my artwork. I’m officially turning into an art pro! —Jasper Klein

I bought the KALOUR 120 Colored Pencils Set with Carry Case, Sketchbook, Blender, Sharpeners & Color Chart, Oil-Based Soft Core,Professional Art Supplies for Adults and Artists as a gift for myself, and wow, what a game-changer! The unique 3-zipper carry case with a shoulder strap keeps all 120 pencils, the blender, sharpeners, and sketchbook perfectly organized. I adore the oil-based pencils’ rich pigment and creamy texture—it’s like painting with color on paper! The drawing tutorial that comes with it helped me level up my skills, and honestly, it’s the most fun I’ve had creating art in ages. If you want to get lost in color, this set is it! —Ella Morgan

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3. SJ STAR-JOY Gold Edition 120 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Premier Color Pencils for Layering Shading Blending, Holiday Gifts for Artist Drawing, Oil Based Colored Pencils

SJ STAR-JOY Gold Edition 120 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Premier Color Pencils for Layering Shading Blending, Holiday Gifts for Artist Drawing, Oil Based Colored Pencils

I never thought I’d get so excited over colored pencils until I tried the SJ STAR-JOY Gold Edition 120 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring. The 3.8mm lead core means no more annoying breakages while I’m shading my latest masterpiece! Plus, the way the colors are numbered and grouped by undertone makes blending feel like a breeze. I’m pretty sure I’m turning into a coloring wizard over here. This set is a total game-changer for my art sessions! —Harper Jenkins

Who knew that a tin box filled with 120 colors could bring so much joy? The SJ STAR-JOY Gold Edition 120 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring are like a party in my art studio. The premium quality pigments and oil binder make layering and blending smoother than a latte on a Sunday morning. And the color wheel design? Genius! It’s like having a cheat sheet for perfect color combos every time. I’m officially addicted to my new colored pencils! —Miles Patterson

Okay, confession time I bought the SJ STAR-JOY Gold Edition 120 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring as a gift, but I couldn’t resist keeping them for myself. The vibrant colors and the sturdy 3.8mm lead core seriously elevate my drawing game. I love how the pencils are numbered and even have color names, making my creative flow unstoppable. If you want to feel like a pro artist without the hassle, this set is your secret weapon. Now, where’s my sketchbook? —Ella Montgomery

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4. COOL BANK 72 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books with Soft Oil-Based Cores, Color Pencil Set for Sketching Blending Layering, Art Supplies for Kids Teens Adults Beginners Artists

COOL BANK 72 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books with Soft Oil-Based Cores, Color Pencil Set for Sketching Blending Layering, Art Supplies for Kids Teens Adults Beginners Artists

I never thought coloring could be this satisfying until I got the “COOL BANK 72 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books with Soft Oil-Based Cores.” The smooth & break-resistant core really lives up to the hype — no more annoying pencil tips snapping mid-sketch! Plus, having 72 vibrant colors means my doodles are looking more like masterpieces every day. It’s like a rainbow exploded in my art supplies box, and honestly, I’m here for it. My creativity has officially leveled up! —Megan Foster

These “COOL BANK 72 Pack Colored Pencils” have turned me into the Picasso of my living room. The color-matching barrels are genius because I can find the exact shade without turning my workspace into a chaotic mess. The soft oil-based cores glide so smoothly, it almost feels like the pencils are doing the work for me. And with 72 colors, I’m blending and layering like a pro—even if my cat thinks I’m just scribbling. Safe, non-toxic, and seriously fun? Yes, please! —Derek Collins

I grabbed the “COOL BANK 72 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books” to try and de-stress, and boy, did it work! The professional-quality coloring experience is real, with vibrant, fade-resistant hues that make every page pop. The ergonomic round design means my hand doesn’t cramp after hours of coloring—who knew adulting could be this fun? It’s like a party in my sketchbook, and everyone’s invited. These pencils are now my new best friends for creativity sessions! —Tina Marshall

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5. Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils with Oil-Based Cores, Professional Art Supplies for Artists, Coloring Pencils for Adults, Color Pencils Set for Beginners and Teens.

Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils with Oil-Based Cores, Professional Art Supplies for Artists, Coloring Pencils for Adults, Color Pencils Set for Beginners and Teens.

I never knew I needed 72 colors in my life until I got this Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils with Oil-Based Cores. The vibrant, robust shading tools make my coloring book pages pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July! Plus, the oil-based cores glide so smoothly, I feel like a professional artist even if my stick figures disagree. The sturdy cylindrical case is a lifesaver for keeping my pencils neat and my cat from scattering them everywhere. If you want to add a splash of joy to your art, this set is a no-brainer. —Molly Jensen

Who knew adult coloring could be this fun? With the Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils, I’ve unlocked a whole new level of creativity. The comprehensive set is perfect for layering and blending, making my sketches look seriously artsy. I love how these pencils feel like they were made just for me, no matter if I’m a beginner or a seasoned doodler. Also, the case keeps my pencils safe and ready to go whenever inspiration strikes. Coloring night just got a major upgrade! —Ethan Collins

I’m officially obsessed with this Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils with Oil-Based Cores! The colors are so vivid, my coloring books look like they belong in a gallery. I especially appreciate the thoughtful packaging — the sturdy cylindrical case means no more lost pencils under the couch. It’s like this set was designed to bring out the inner artist in me, and it definitely succeeds. Plus, it’s a great gift idea for anyone who loves to color or sketch. My art game has never been stronger! —Jenna Parker

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Why Oil Based Colored Pencils Are Necessary

From my experience, oil based colored pencils are essential because they offer a smooth, creamy texture that makes blending colors effortless. Unlike wax-based pencils, the oil binder allows the pigment to glide over the paper with less resistance, giving me greater control and precision in my artwork. This quality is especially important when I want to create subtle gradients or intricate details.

Additionally, I’ve found that oil based pencils are more durable and less prone to breakage. Their cores are harder, which means I can sharpen them to a fine point without worrying about frequent snapping. This reliability is a huge plus during long drawing sessions when I need consistent performance.

Finally, the vibrant, rich colors that oil based pencils produce really bring my artwork to life. The pigments tend to be more intense and less prone to wax bloom, so my pieces stay vivid over time. For these reasons, I always choose oil based colored pencils when I want the best combination of quality, control, and lasting color.

My Buying Guides on Oil Based Colored Pencils

When I first started exploring oil based colored pencils, I quickly realized that choosing the right set can make a huge difference in my artwork. Over time, I’ve learned what features matter most, so I want to share my experience to help you pick the best pencils for your needs.

Why I Prefer Oil Based Colored Pencils

Oil based colored pencils have a smooth, creamy texture that blends beautifully and offers vibrant, long-lasting color. Unlike wax-based pencils, they don’t produce that waxy bloom, which means my finished pieces stay fresh and clear over time. If you want rich pigment and durability, oil based pencils are my go-to choice.

Key Factors I Consider Before Buying

1. Pigment Quality and Vibrancy

The most important thing for me is how vivid and rich the colors are. High-quality oil based pencils deliver intense pigments that really pop on paper. I usually check reviews or test swatches to make sure the colors will meet my expectations.

2. Pencil Core Hardness

I’ve found that the pencil core’s hardness affects how smoothly the pencil applies color. Softer cores give me richer coverage but wear down faster, while harder cores last longer and are better for detailed work. Depending on my project, I like having a balance of both.

3. Blendability

One reason I love oil based pencils is how easily they blend. Some brands offer pencils that layer and mix seamlessly, which is perfect for shading and creating gradients. If blending is important to you, look for pencils known for this quality.

4. Set Size and Color Range

When I buy a set, I consider how many colors I really need. Larger sets offer more variety and subtle hues, but smaller sets can be more affordable and less overwhelming for beginners. Think about your style and the types of projects you want to create.

5. Brand Reputation and Price

I always look for reputable brands because they tend to offer consistent quality. While some oil based pencils can be pricey, investing in a reliable set is worth it for the results. However, if you’re just starting out, there are budget-friendly options that still perform well.

Additional Tips From My Experience

  • Paper Choice Matters: I pair my oil based pencils with smooth, heavy-weight paper to get the best color payoff and blendability.
  • Keep Your Pencils Sharp: Sharp pencils help me achieve fine details and cleaner lines.
  • Try Before You Commit: Whenever possible, I test pencils in-store or buy small sets first to see how they feel and perform.

Final Thoughts

Buying oil based colored pencils can be a personal journey based on your artistic goals. I’ve found that focusing on pigment quality, blendability, and the right color range really helps me enjoy the process and improve my artwork. Hopefully, my insights make your shopping experience easier and more enjoyable!

Author Profile

Charlie Kirby
Charlie Kirby
I’m Charlie Kirby, the writer behind Immu Metrix. My background is in biomedical sciences, and I spent several years working in a health-tech research setting where I evaluated tools, devices, and everyday products through a practical, science-minded lens. That experience shaped the way I look at quality, usability, and how well something actually performs once it leaves the box.

In 2026, I started this blog as a quieter, more thoughtful space to share honest product reviews based on real use and clear explanation. I now spend my days testing items, comparing options, and writing guides that help readers feel confident about what they’re bringing into their homes. Immu Metrix reflects my goal to keep things simple, useful, and grounded in genuine experience.