I find it calming to sit down with an adult coloring book—whether I’m creating content or simply winding down after a long day. Coloring helps me reset. It’s an easy, creative way to unplug, clear my mind, and practice a bit of self-care without overthinking it.
One question I get a lot is:
“What’s the best thing to color with?”
Let’s break it down—from pencils to pens (and everything in between).
✏️ 1. Colored Pencils – A Gentle Classic
Colored pencils are a favorite for their soft, buildable color. They’re perfect for blending and shading, especially in intricate designs. You can control how light or dark the color appears, and they’re easy to sharpen and store.
Try this: Prismacolor for a smooth, creamy texture or Crayola for an affordable, beginner-friendly set.
🎨 2. Markers – Bold, Bright, and Beautiful
If you love vibrant, saturated color, markers are the way to go. Alcohol-based markers are especially smooth and blend beautifully. My personal favorite? Ohuhu markers—they’re affordable, high-quality, and come in gorgeous, rich shades.
👉 Check out the Ohuhu marker set I use
Just be sure to place a blank sheet behind your coloring page to prevent bleed-through.
🖋️ 3. Brush Pens – Blend Like a Pro
Brush pens give you the flexibility of a paintbrush with the control of a marker. They’re perfect for soft gradients, blending, and hand lettering. One of the top names in brush pens? Tombow Dual Brush Pens. They’re blendable, versatile, and ideal for both beginners and pros.
👉 Explore Tombow Dual Brush Pens here
They work great on smooth paper and are amazing for adding flair to florals and whimsical designs.
✨ 4. Gel Pens – Add Some Sparkle
Gel pens are perfect for tiny details, mandalas, or when you want to add shimmer. Metallics, neons, and glitter gels all bring a pop of fun to your pages. They’re not great for large areas, but they make beautiful accents and finishing touches.
💧 5. Watercolor Pencils – For a Soft Painted Look
Watercolor pencils let you color normally, then activate the pigment with a damp brush for a dreamy, blended effect. It’s a fun way to experiment with watercolors—minus the mess.
So… What’s the Best Thing to Color With?
The truth is—there’s no single “best” tool. The magic lies in what feels good to you. Some days, you may want the bold vibrancy of Ohuhu markers. Other times, the smooth glide of a Tombow brush pen or the calm precision of colored pencils might be just right.
Whatever you choose, enjoy the moment. You’re not just filling in a page—you’re recharging your mind, one color at a time.
💬 What’s your favorite coloring tool? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear!