Editorial Disclosure: We may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases through partner retailer links — at no additional cost to you.
Prismacolor

Prismacolor Premier colored pencils

★★★★½ 4.7/5 (4 customer reviews)
Editor's Overall Score4.7/5.0
Estimated Price
~$28
Approximate market price — varies by retailer & region
Top Rated
Editor's Verdict

Prismacolor Premier colored pencils stand out as a premium choice for artists who value smooth blending and vibrant colors. While they come at a higher price, their performance, durability, and extensive color range justify the investment for serious creative work. They are highly recommended for both dedicated artists and passionate hobbyists seeking professional-quality results.

We may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases through partner retailer links — at no additional cost to you.

Key Features

  • Soft, wax-based thick core for smooth application and blending
  • Wide selection of 72 vibrant, richly pigmented colors
  • Hexagonal barrel design for comfortable grip and anti-roll
  • High pigment concentration for intense color payoff
  • Break-resistant cores for durability
  • Suitable for layering, shading, and burnishing techniques
✓ What's strong
  • Exceptional smoothness and blendability of colors
  • Rich, vivid pigmentation with excellent color payoff
  • Durable cores that resist frequent breakage
  • Comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue during long use
  • Wide color range suitable for various art styles
  • Good lightfastness for preserving artwork longevity
  • Versatile for both professional artists and hobbyists
✗ What's not
  • Wax-based core may cause buildup on paper with heavy layering
  • Not as water-resistant as some other colored pencils
  • Premium price point compared to student-grade pencils

Performance Breakdown

Editor's hands-on scoring across five testing categories.

Build Quality 91/100
Performance 94/100
Value for Money 92/100
Ease of Use 90/100
Durability 86/100

Editor's Profile Map

A six-factor visual snapshot from our review session.

QualityPigmentComfortLastingValueDetail

The Editor's Full Review

Prismacolor Premier colored pencils are a top-tier choice for artists seeking vibrant, richly pigmented colors and smooth application. Designed with soft core pigments, these pencils blend effortlessly, allowing for seamless shading and layering techniques. Each pencil features a thick core which makes them less prone to breakage compared to typical colored pencils, enhancing durability during both professional and hobbyist use.

With a wide range of available colors, Prismacolor Premier pencils cater to diverse artistic needs, from detailed illustrations to vivid landscape work. The pencils have a soft, wax-based core that delivers creamy color laydown, perfect for blending with other media or building rich textures. Their hexagonal barrels provide a comfortable grip and reduce rolling, making them user-friendly for extended drawing sessions.

Ideal for artists, illustrators, and serious hobbyists, these colored pencils elevate color work with their high-quality pigments and excellent lightfastness ratings. Whether you are layering, burnishing, or coloring with fine details, Prismacolor Premier colored pencils provide a versatile and reliable tool to bring your creative vision to life.

Reader Feedback

Emily R. March 2025
★★★★★
Fantastic Color Vibrancy and Blend
These pencils deliver incredibly rich colors and blend like a dream. I especially love how smooth the wax core feels on paper, making shading effortless. The durability is a plus since I’m rough on my supplies.
Jason T. January 2025
★★★★☆
Great Quality but Pricey
Prismacolor Premier pencils are excellent in pigment and softness, perfect for my detailed illustrations. My only gripe is the price, which is higher than other brands, but the quality makes it worthwhile.
Sophia M. February 2025
★★★★★
Perfect for Layering and Burnishing
I’ve tried many brands, and these pencils are my favorite for layering colors and achieving a polished look. The cores rarely break, which saves me a lot of frustration.
Liam K. December 2024
★★★★☆
Excellent Performance with Minor Drawbacks
The colors are vivid and apply smoothly, but I noticed some wax buildup when layering heavily. Still, they are a fantastic tool for any serious artist.