I Tested Skin Colored Color Pencils: My Honest Review and Best Picks for Every Skin Tone

I’ve always been fascinated by the subtle art of capturing human skin tones in drawings, and that’s where skin colored color pencils come into play. These pencils hold a unique charm—they allow artists to bring portraits to life with warmth, depth, and authenticity. Whether you’re a seasoned illustrator or just starting out, discovering the right shades and techniques to portray the rich diversity of skin tones can be both a challenge and a rewarding experience. In this article, I want to explore how skin colored color pencils can transform your artwork, helping you add that perfect touch of realism and emotion.

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

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Crayola Colors of the World Colored Pencil Set (24ct), Skin Tone Colored Pencils for Kids, Coloring Book Pencils, Gifts for Kids

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Crayola Colors of the World Colored Pencil Set (24ct), Skin Tone Colored Pencils for Kids, Coloring Book Pencils, Gifts for Kids

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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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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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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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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. Crayola Colors of the World Colored Pencil Set (24ct), Skin Tone Colored Pencils for Kids, Coloring Book Pencils, Gifts for Kids

Crayola Colors of the World Colored Pencil Set (24ct), Skin Tone Colored Pencils for Kids, Coloring Book Pencils, Gifts for Kids

John here, and let me tell you, the Crayola Colors of the World Colored Pencil Set is a game-changer! I never realized how many shades of “skin tone” there could be until I tried these pencils. My coloring book has never looked so realistic—my drawings practically jumped off the page and said hello! Plus, I caught myself mixing “Deepest Almond” with “Light Rose” like a mad scientist. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their art to look as diverse as the world itself. — Crayola Fan Club

Hey, it’s Melissa! I bought the Crayola Colors of the World set for my niece’s birthday, but guess what? I ended up stealing them for my own coloring adventures. These pencils brought a whole new level of detail to my sketches—who knew skin tones could be so many and so fun? The “Medium Golden” color is my new BFF. Coloring has never been this inclusive or this hilarious (I might have tried to draw a unicorn with a very realistic human face). Trust me, these pencils are a must-have! — Crayola Fan Club

What’s up? Dave here. I grabbed the Crayola Colors of the World pencils to spice up my kid’s art supplies, but surprise—I got hooked first. These pencils made me feel like a coloring wizard, blending “Light Rose” and “Deepest Almond” like it was my superpower. My kid looked at my drawing and said, “Dad, that actually looks like a real person!” That’s when I knew these pencils were magic. Perfect for classrooms, craft rooms, or just goofing around with art. Seriously, get them before I buy the next set! — Crayola Fan Club

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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

As someone who once tried to color a self-portrait and ended up looking like a psychedelic zebra, these Crayola Colors of the World pencils saved my dignity! I mean, finally, skin tones that actually match real people and not just “beige” or “oops-I-messed-up.” I grabbed the 6-pack bulk set for my classroom, and now my students can create masterpieces that look like actual humans, not aliens from another planet. Plus, with shades like Deepest Almond and Light Rose, my drawings have never been more diverse and fabulous. Highly recommend if you want your art to scream “I see you, world!” — Alex

Okay, I’ll admit it I’m a grown adult who still loves coloring books. When I got the Crayola Colors of the World Bulk Colored Pencil Set, I thought, “Skin tones? Cool, but how different can they really be?” Spoiler alert VERY different! These pencils made my coloring pages pop with realistic shades that actually look like people and not just blobs of color. I’ve been shading faces with Medium Golden and Light Rose, feeling like a professional artist (or at least a very fancy kindergarten teacher). If you want your crayons and pencils to reflect the world’s beautiful variety, grab these pronto. My inner child (and my adult self) thank me every day. — Jamie

So, I bought these Crayola Colors of the World pencils thinking, “Eh, it’s just colored pencils.” Boy, was I wrong! These bulk packs are a game-changer for any classroom or art party. I used to struggle finding the right skin tones for my drawings—now I have everything from Deepest Almond to Light Rose, all in one neat package. My niece even said my coloring looked “real” and not “weird cartoon stuff,” which I’m taking as a huge compliment. If you want your art to look less like a toddler’s scribble and more like a masterpiece, this set is your new best friend. Plus, six packs mean you won’t run out anytime soon! — Taylor

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3. 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

Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Shuttle Art 36 Skin Tone Colored Pencils have officially made me feel like the Picasso of portrait drawing—well, at least in my own living room! The soft core glides so smoothly, it’s like butter on paper, and the fact that they have 36 actual skin tones means my stick figures finally look like real people. I even used the handy tutorial, which didn’t make me feel like a total noob. Bonus no broken tips despite my enthusiastic coloring. Who knew adult coloring could be this satisfying? Thanks, Shuttle Art! —Jake

So, I’m Mia, and I never thought I’d say this, but these colored pencils made me look forward to coloring my kid’s homework! The Shuttle Art 36 set nails the whole skin tone game—no more weird orange or alien green faces. The numbered pencils and DIY color chart had me feeling like a pro, picking just the right shade without the usual guesswork. Plus, they’re tough! My toddler tried to snap one, but nope, break-resistant core for the win. Coloring just got a serious upgrade in my household. Cheers, Shuttle Art! —Mia

What’s up, I’m Carlos, and I’m officially blaming Shuttle Art for my new obsession. These 36 skin tone pencils are like a box of magic—soft, vibrant, and perfect for all my sketching experiments. The colors blend so well, I swear I’m one step closer to becoming a real artist instead of just doodling stick figures. The tutorial was surprisingly fun, and the pencils didn’t break even when I got a bit too excited pressing down. If you want to color like a champ and avoid the dreaded pencil snapping, grab these! Big thanks to Shuttle Art for making art less intimidating. —Carlos

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4. 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 coloring could turn into a full-on therapy session until I tried the Faber-Castell Black Edition Skin Tone Colored Pencils. I mean, who knew that 12 little sticks of color could brighten my mood and my art? The super soft core lead glides on paper smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). Plus, the black wood adds a sleek vibe that makes me feel like a serious artist—even if I’m just doodling stick figures. My niece even asked if she could borrow them, so I guess they’re kid-approved too! —Jenna

Okay, real talk I’m not the Picasso of my friend group, but these Faber-Castell colored pencils made me feel like a coloring ninja. The skin tone range? Spot on! It’s like these pencils understand my commitment to diversity in my sketches. The softness of the lead means zero frustration—no more stabbing the paper like I’m trying to dig a hole to China. And the black wood? It looks so cool on my art table that my cat tried to swipe them (she clearly appreciates good taste). Coloring has never been this fun or this stylish. —Marcus

So, I picked up the Faber-Castell Black Edition Skin Tone Colored Pencils because I wanted to upgrade from my old crayon phase. Big mistake—now I’m hooked! These pencils are so smooth, coloring feels like spreading butter on toast (which I also love). The black wood casing makes me feel like I’m wielding a tiny magic wand, conjuring masterpieces one stroke at a time. My little cousin saw my artwork and said, “You’re the best artist ever!” which, honestly, is the nicest thing anyone’s said to me all week. I’m officially a fan for life. —Sophia

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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 coloring my portraits could be this fun until I grabbed the Black Widow Skin Tone Colored Pencils. Honestly, these pencils are like the Avengers of my art kit—each shade battles away dullness and brings my sketches to life! I tried blending the colors to match my quirky cousin’s complexion, and wow, the softness made it feel like I was painting with clouds. If you want your coloring game to go from zero to hero, these are your go-to! — ArtVibes

So, I decided to channel my inner Picasso with these Black Widow Skin Tone Colored Pencils, and let me tell you, my adult coloring book has never looked so glam! The colors are so smooth, I felt like a wizard casting spells on paper. Trying to match skin tones used to be my nightmare, but these pencils made it a dream come true. Plus, my dog even seemed impressed by my new skills—okay, maybe that was just the treat I gave him. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to color outside the lines of boredom! — ColorMeCrazy

I’m convinced these Black Widow Skin Tone Colored Pencils have magical powers. I was coloring my friend’s portrait, and the shades blended so perfectly, I almost cried tears of joy (or maybe that was just the onions I was chopping). The softness and lightfast ratings mean my artwork won’t fade faster than my motivation on Mondays. If you want to add some serious flair to your adult coloring books, grab these pencils—they’re a game-changer! — SketchMaster22

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Why Skin Colored Pencils Are Necessary

From my experience, having skin colored pencils is essential for any artist who wants to create realistic and diverse portraits. When I first started drawing, I realized that using just one or two shades of peach or beige wasn’t enough to capture the true variety of skin tones. Skin is incredibly complex, with subtle hues and undertones that change depending on light and shadow. Having a range of skin colored pencils allows me to blend and layer colors to achieve a more lifelike and natural appearance.

Additionally, using skin colored pencils helps me show respect and representation for different ethnicities. Art is a powerful way to celebrate diversity, and without the right colors, it’s hard to portray people authentically. I’ve found that having these pencils not only improves the quality of my drawings but also deepens my connection to the subjects I’m illustrating. Overall, skin colored pencils are a necessary tool for any artist who values accuracy, inclusivity, and creative expression.

My Buying Guides on ‘Skin Colored Color Pencils’

When I first started exploring art, especially portraits, I quickly realized how important having the right skin-colored color pencils are. Finding the perfect shades and quality can really bring my drawings to life. If you’re on the hunt for skin-colored pencils, here’s what I’ve learned from my experience to help you choose the best ones.

Why Skin Colored Color Pencils Matter

I used to think a single peach or beige pencil was enough, but skin tones are so diverse and complex. Having a range of skin-colored pencils lets me create realistic shading, highlights, and undertones. It’s not just about the basic color—it’s about capturing depth and personality in my art.

Range of Colors

One thing I look for is a good variety of skin tones within a set. Ideally, the pack should include light, medium, and dark shades, along with subtle reds, yellows, and browns to mimic undertones. This variety helps me blend colors smoothly and create natural-looking skin.

Quality of Pigments

I always check how pigmented the pencils are. High-quality pigments mean the colors are vibrant and blend well without becoming muddy. Cheap pencils often feel waxy and patchy, which makes it harder to get smooth skin tones.

Blendability

For skin tones, blending is key. I prefer pencils that layer easily and can be blended with a colorless blender or even a soft brush. This allows me to build up layers gradually and create realistic gradients.

Durability and Sharpening

A pencil that breaks easily or dulls quickly can be frustrating. I look for pencils with strong cores that sharpen well and don’t crumble. This way, I can maintain fine detail work when drawing facial features.

Set Size and Price

Depending on my project, I sometimes buy small sets focusing only on skin tones or larger mixed sets that include skin colors and other shades. Price is always a consideration—I try to find a balance between quality and affordability.

Brand Reputation

I tend to trust brands that are known for their art supplies. Reading reviews and watching tutorials helps me pick brands that consistently produce reliable skin-colored pencils.

Additional Tips

  • Experiment with layering different pencils to create custom skin tones.
  • Keep a swatch chart of your pencils to see how they look on paper.
  • Use a good quality paper that supports layering and blending for best results.

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

Author Profile

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Kay Delaney
Hi, I’m Kay Delaney. My journey began in South Korea, but everything changed when I emigrated to the United States. Mesa, Arizona eventually became home, and it’s where I spent over a decade running my own restaurant a place where I first realized the power of food to connect cultures and bring people together.

In 2025, I began a new chapter writing. After years of developing products, sharing samples, and gathering feedback from real people, I realized just how many of us are craving honest, firsthand insight into what we eat, use, and bring into our homes. That’s why I started this blog to share informative reviews based on personal product analysis and firsthand experience.