MEEDEN Soft Oil Pastels Set (144 Vibrant Colours) for Blending, Layering and Shading

If you’re trying to get richer colour and easier blending than you’d typically manage with harder crayons, this MEEDEN Soft Oil Pastels set is designed for exactly that kind of work. It’s a 144-colour bundle of soft oil pastel crayons, aimed at everything from first experiments to more structured techniques like layering, shading and even some texture effects.

That said, it’s worth setting expectations: a set this broad is great for variety, but it’s not the same as choosing a smaller, more curated palette. If you’re hunting for super-specialist tools or a tightly controlled professional colour range, you may find yourself still wanting something more targeted.

The essentials

This MEEDEN set gives you 144 vibrant oil pastel colours in a soft, blend-friendly format. On paper, the value comes from both the number of shades and the fact they’re intended to move smoothly for overlapping and soft colouring. You’re meant to be able to build up pigment gradually, then smooth it out where you want transitions.

The crayons also come in individual packaging, which is a practical detail: it helps prevent accidental colour transfer and can keep your hands cleaner during longer sessions.

Where it stands out in use

Soft oil pastels are often picked because they let you get colour down with relatively little friction, then experiment with how much you blend or layer. With this set, the focus is on smooth application on common art surfaces such as paper for oil pastels and canvas, plus “mixed technique” ideas.

The manufacturer points to several techniques you can try, including: - layering and blending - shading and illustration - scratching for texture effects - impasto and dotting

In real terms, a typical micro-scenario could look like this: you colour a sky area with a base tone, then add a darker band and blend gently to fade the edges. After that, you can layer lighter colours on top to make highlights pop, then use a scratching motion in select areas to tease out texture.

Colour coverage and longevity (what’s claimed)

The set is positioned as offering strong coverage and even colour distribution, which matters if you don’t want to keep going over the same patch repeatedly. There’s also a claim about lightfastness at “level 3” for vibrant, durable colour, plus an assurance that colours won’t fade or yellow over time.

Keep in mind that lightfastness can be hard to judge without your own testing and the final display conditions. So it’s reasonable to treat these statements as the intended performance rather than a guarantee for every project.

The practical stuff: size, feel and classroom-friendly angle

Each pastel measures 69 mm x 11 mm, and the set is described as made from non-toxic materials without an irritant odour. That makes it the kind of oil pastel set people may feel comfortable using for longer sessions—especially if you’re teaching, supervising, or just planning some extended drawing time at home.

It’s also presented as suitable for a wide spread of users: beginners, illustrators, adult hobbyists, DIY creators and people who simply like having a lot of colours to hand.

Who it’s for (and who should pause)

It makes sense if you want a broad, vibrant palette for sketching, decorative artwork, classroom activities, and everyday creative sessions—especially where blending and layering are part of the fun.

It may not suit you as well if you already know you want a smaller set with tightly matched, highly specific pigment choices, or if you’re trying to “extract” maximum performance for very demanding, conservation-focused fine art. For those goals, you might feel more confident with a more selective approach.

Also, if your priority is purely clean, controlled lines, soft oil pastels can be a bit less predictable than harder mediums—so it depends quite a lot on your technique and your willingness to experiment.

Is it worth it?

Buy it if you want a large 144-colour oil pastel set that’s built around soft, blendable coverage for shading, layering and texture effects—good for artists, teachers, and beginners who like variety.

Skip it if you’re looking for a tightly curated palette, specialist colour control, or you prefer mediums that naturally stay crisp without any smudging risk.

If you’re the sort of person who enjoys trying different approaches—base colours, then blending, then adding highlights or scratching for texture—this is the type of kit that can feel like it “unlocks” more ideas just because you have so many shades available.

Mini FAQ

Are these oil pastels suitable for blending and layering?

They’re marketed specifically for blending, layering and shading, so they’re designed to work well for gradual build-up and softer transitions.

What surfaces are they meant for?

They’re described as suitable for cardboard, oil pastel paper, canvas and other surfaces used for oil pastel drawing.

Do they come individually wrapped?

Yes, the pastels are individually packaged to help prevent colours crossing and to keep hands cleaner.

Are they aimed at beginners?

Yes—this set is presented as suitable for all levels, including beginners and teachers.

What techniques can you expect to try?

The description highlights several techniques such as overlaying, shading, scratching, impasto and dotting.