Best Pastel Pencils for Beginners on a Budget (UK Guide)

Art by Karie-Ann Author

Discover the best budget pastel pencils for beginners in the UK—top brands, tools, and where to buy them without overspending.

🎨 Best Pastel Pencils for Beginners on a Budget (UK Edition)

Starting your pastel journey doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet. Whether you're exploring pet portraits, wildlife scenes, or just dipping your toes into soft textures and rich pigments, pastel pencils offer a forgiving, versatile medium that’s perfect for beginners.

But with so many brands and price points out there, how do you choose the right set without overspending?

Here’s a guide to the best pastel pencils for beginners on a budget UK, with options that balance affordability, quality, and ease of use—perfect for artists just starting out.

🖍️ What Makes a Great Beginner Pastel Pencil?

Before we dive into brands, let’s talk about what to look for:

• Softness: Easier blending and layering
• Pigment strength: Rich colour payoff without needing pressure
• Sharpenability: Won’t crumble in the sharpener
• Lightfastness: Colours won’t fade over time
• Price: Accessible without sacrificing performance

If you're shopping for affordable pastel art supplies for new artists, these qualities will help you choose tools that support your growth without breaking the bank.

🥇 Top Budget-Friendly Pastel Pencil Brands

1. Stabilo CarbOthello

Why beginners love them:

• Soft, blendable texture
• Excellent colour range
• Affordable individual pencils and sets
• Easy to layer over Pastelmat or textured paper

Where to buy:
Jackson’s Art often runs discounts on CarbOthello sets.

2. Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils

Why they’re a solid choice:

• Firmer core—great for detail work
• High lightfastness ratings
• Available in open stock (buy only the colours you need)

Budget tip:
Start with a small set and supplement with individual pencils from Ken Bromley Art Supplies.

3. Derwent Pastel Pencils

Why they’re beginner-friendly:

• Made in the UK
• Slightly firmer than CarbOthello—ideal for sketching and layering
• Mid-range price point with good pigment payoff

Where to find deals:
Check The Range or Amazon UK for seasonal discounts.

✂️ Tools to Pair with Your Pencils

• Metal pencil sharpener: Avoid plastic ones—they chew up pastel cores
• Pastelmat paper: Holds pigment beautifully and reduces dust
• Blending tools: Tortillons, cotton buds, or even your fingers!

Want to see how these tools work together? Try my FREE Cat’s Nose Tutorial for a beginner-friendly pastel pencil project.

💸 Where to Buy Cheap Pastel Pencils in the UK

Here are a few trusted sources for deals and open stock options:

If you're wondering where to buy cheap pastel pencils in the UK, these retailers offer a mix of new and second-hand options to suit every budget.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Start Small, Build Smart

You don’t need a full 72-pencil set to begin your pastel journey. Start with a small, curated selection of colours you’ll actually use—earth tones, greys, and a few vibrant accents. As your confidence grows, so can your collection.

And remember: the best pastel pencil for a beginner isn’t just about price—it’s about how it feels in your hand, how it responds to your paper, and how it helps you fall in love with the process.

If you're looking for even more ways to stock your studio without overspending, check out my full guide to affordable art supplies in the UK—packed with tips, tricks, and unexpected places to find creative bargains.

Categories: : art tips, pastel pencils