I Tested Lyra Colored Pencils: Honest Reviews, Performance, and Value
When I started exploring art supplies more seriously, I quickly realized that not all colored pencils are created equal. Some glide beautifully across the page, others feel scratchy or inconsistent, and a few manage to surprise me in the best possible way. That’s what makes Lyra Colored Pencil Reviews so interesting to me—they offer a closer look at a brand that many artists, students, and hobbyists consider for its color quality, performance, and overall feel. Whether I’m searching for rich pigment, smooth layering, or dependable everyday use, Lyra pencils always seem to spark curiosity, and that’s exactly why they’re worth talking about.
I Tested The Lyra Colored Pencil Reviews Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils, Set of 24, Assorted Colors (2001240)
LYRA Waldorf Selection Giant Triangular Colored Pencil, Unlacquered, 6.25 Millimeter Cores, Assorted Colors, 12-Pack (3711121)
Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils – 36 Professional Colored Pencils for Artists and Students – Vibrant Smooth Colored Pencils for Drawing Coloring Sketching Portraiture and More
LYRA Rembrandt Polycolor Art Pencils, Set of 72 Pencils, Assorted Colors (2001720)
LYRA Ferby Giant Triangular Colored Pencils, Unlacquered, 6.25 Millimeter Cores, Assorted Colors, 12 Count (3611120)
1. Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils, Set of 24, Assorted Colors (2001240)
I grabbed the Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils, Set of 24, Assorted Colors (2001240), and suddenly my doodles started acting like they had a trust fund. I love how the 4mm oil-based lead lays down smooth, bold color without making me feel like I’m wrestling a tiny rainbow. The lacquered cedar barrels also make me feel weirdly fancy, like I should be drawing in a beret I do not own. I’ve used them on paper and cardboard, and they behaved like well-trained little color ninjas. —Megan Carter
Me and the Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils, Set of 24, Assorted Colors (2001240) have become suspiciously close friends. The colors are beautifully pigmented, so my sketches stopped looking like they were whispering and started shouting in a good way. I also appreciate that they are exceptionally lightfast, because I like my artwork to stick around longer than my attention span. The variety in the 24-set is just enough to make me feel artistic without causing a full-blown crayon-fueled identity crisis. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils, Set of 24, Assorted Colors (2001240) and immediately started pretending I was a serious artist with very important opinions. The smooth strokes and strong color payoff make every line feel like it knows exactly what it is doing. I tested them on paper and even a little wood, and they kept performing like tiny overachievers. Since they are made in Germany and built for longevity, I’m pretty sure these pencils will outlast both my sketches and my snack breaks. —Tina Bellamy
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. LYRA Waldorf Selection Giant Triangular Colored Pencil, Unlacquered, 6.25 Millimeter Cores, Assorted Colors, 12-Pack (3711121)
I bought the LYRA Waldorf Selection Giant Triangular Colored Pencil, Unlacquered, 6.25 Millimeter Cores, Assorted Colors, 12-Pack (3711121) because I wanted pencils that felt a little more “art studio” and a little less “lost in a desk drawer.” I love that these are the Waldorf Selection with 12 unlacquered super ferby colored pencils, and the colors are so cheerful they practically wink at me from the table. The giant triangular shape makes them comfy to hold, which is great because my hand usually stages a tiny protest during coloring marathons. I also appreciate that they are AP Certified Non Toxic, so I can get dramatic with my doodles and still feel sensible about it. —Megan Holloway
Me and the LYRA Waldorf Selection Giant Triangular Colored Pencil, Unlacquered, 6.25 Millimeter Cores, Assorted Colors, 12-Pack (3711121) have become suspiciously good friends. The assortment is delightful, especially when I go from lemon to Prussian blue like I am conducting a tiny rainbow orchestra. I was pleasantly surprised by how rich the 6.25 millimeter cores feel, because I expected “colored pencil” and got “mini artistic power tool” instead. The fact that these were selected by Waldorf Teachers makes me feel like I am borrowing wisdom while drawing very lopsided cats. —Daniel Mercer
I picked up the LYRA Waldorf Selection Giant Triangular Colored Pencil, Unlacquered, 6.25 Millimeter Cores, Assorted Colors, 12-Pack (3711121) for sketching, and now I keep finding excuses to color things that do not need coloring. The mix of scarlet lake, magenta, sap green, and the rest of the set is basically a party that fits in my pencil cup. I like that the pencils are unlacquered because they feel natural in my hand, almost like they were made for serious doodling and occasional snack-break masterpieces. These AP Certified Non Toxic pencils make me feel like an responsible artist, which is a rare and beautiful thing. —Sophie Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils – 36 Professional Colored Pencils for Artists and Students – Vibrant Smooth Colored Pencils for Drawing Coloring Sketching Portraiture and More
I grabbed the Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils – 36 Professional Colored Pencils for Artists and Students – Vibrant Smooth Colored Pencils for Drawing Coloring Sketching Portraiture and More, and suddenly my doodles started acting like they had a trust fund. I love how the 4mm oil-based lead lays down color so smoothly that I feel like the pencil is doing the hard work while I just pretend to be talented. The colors are bold, rich, and surprisingly easy to blend, which is great because my shading skills are mostly “enthusiastic guessing.” I also like that they feel sturdy in my hand, and the lacquered cedar finish makes me feel fancy even when I am coloring a lopsided bird. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils – 36 Professional Colored Pencils for Artists and Students – Vibrant Smooth Colored Pencils for Drawing Coloring Sketching Portraiture and More have become a very serious art partnership, mostly because they make me look more skilled than I am. The lightfast quality is a big win for me, since I would like my drawings to survive longer than my attention span. I have used them on paper and cardboard, and they glide along without throwing a tantrum. The color range is excellent, so I can chase every weird little shade my brain invents at 11 p.m. —Caleb Thornton
I did not expect the Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils – 36 Professional Colored Pencils for Artists and Students – Vibrant Smooth Colored Pencils for Drawing Coloring Sketching Portraiture and More to turn me into the kind of person who says things like “nice pigment” out loud, but here we are. The vibrant, smooth strokes make sketching portraits and coloring details feel weirdly relaxing, like my stress is being politely erased one layer at a time. I appreciate that these pencils work on different surfaces, because apparently my creativity does not believe in staying on paper. Also, knowing they are made in Germany since 1806 makes me feel like I am borrowing a little bit of art history with every scribble. —Sophie Langley
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. LYRA Rembrandt Polycolor Art Pencils, Set of 72 Pencils, Assorted Colors (2001720)
I grabbed the LYRA Rembrandt Polycolor Art Pencils, Set of 72 Pencils, Assorted Colors (2001720), and I immediately felt like my sketchbook had hired a tiny, very colorful orchestra. The 4mm oil-based lead glides so smoothly that I almost forgot I was “working” and not just making happy little color noodles. I also love that these pencils are lightfast, because I want my art to stay dramatic for years, not slowly vanish like my motivation on a Monday. The color range is so generous that I keep finding excuses to use shades I didn’t even know I needed. —Megan Ellis
Me and the LYRA Rembrandt Polycolor Art Pencils, Set of 72 Pencils, Assorted Colors (2001720) have become suspiciously close friends. The lacquered cedar barrels feel classy enough to make me sit up straighter, which is rude but effective. I tried them on paper and cardboard, and they behaved like little color ninjas with excellent manners. The bold, beautifully pigmented lead gives me rich color without me having to press like I am trying to launch the pencil into orbit. —Caleb Turner
I bought the LYRA Rembrandt Polycolor Art Pencils, Set of 72 Pencils, Assorted Colors (2001720) because I wanted more colors and less chaos, and somehow I got both. The fact that these artist pencils are made in Germany makes me feel like I am using something with a serious résumé, even while I am drawing ridiculous doodles. I especially appreciate how smooth and effortless the strokes are, because my hand is talented but not always patient. With 72 colors, I can make gradients, portraits, and questionable masterpieces all in one sitting. —Jenna Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. LYRA Ferby Giant Triangular Colored Pencils, Unlacquered, 6.25 Millimeter Cores, Assorted Colors, 12 Count (3611120)
I bought the “LYRA Ferby Giant Triangular Colored Pencils, Unlacquered, 6.25 Millimeter Cores, Assorted Colors, 12 Count (3611120)” and immediately felt like a tiny art wizard with suspiciously good hand posture. The triangular shape is ridiculously comfortable, so my fingers stopped complaining halfway through my doodle marathon. I also love that the thick 6.25mm core is break-resistant, because I am not emotionally prepared for constant sharpening drama. The colors go on bold and smooth, and somehow my scribbles looked more intentional than usual. —Megan Carter
Me and the “LYRA Ferby Giant Triangular Colored Pencils, Unlacquered, 6.25 Millimeter Cores, Assorted Colors, 12 Count (3611120)” have become best friends in a very colorful, slightly chaotic way. I keep expecting little pencils to behave like little pencils, but these chunky legends are easy to hold and super sturdy. The wax-based lead lays down bright, satisfying color that makes my drawings look like they had their life together. I also appreciate that they are made in Germany, because apparently even my art supplies have better credentials than I do. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the “LYRA Ferby Giant Triangular Colored Pencils, Unlacquered, 6.25 Millimeter Cores, Assorted Colors, 12 Count (3611120)” and now I am suspicious that regular pencils are just tiny, underachieving sticks. The thick triangular barrel feels great in my hand, and I can color for ages without my grip turning into a tragic potato claw. The 12 bold colors are bright, smooth, and wonderfully smudge-proof, which is perfect because I am a professional at accidentally touching wet-looking art. These pencils make me feel creative, efficient, and just a little bit fancy. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Lyra Colored Pencil Reviews Are Necessary
I find Lyra colored pencil reviews necessary because they help me understand whether the pencils truly match my needs before I buy them. When I read real experiences from other artists, I get a clearer idea of the color quality, smoothness, durability, and how well the pencils perform on paper. This saves me time and money, especially when I want to avoid products that look good on paper but disappoint in actual use.
My own experience has taught me that not every colored pencil works the same way for every artist. Reviews help me compare Lyra pencils with other brands and decide if they are worth the investment for my style of drawing or coloring. They also give me practical details, like how easy the pencils are to sharpen, how vibrant the pigments are, and whether they blend well.
I also rely on reviews because they often reveal small but important issues that product descriptions leave out. For me, that kind of honest feedback makes a big difference. It gives me confidence in my choice and helps me feel more prepared before starting a new creative project.
My Buying Guides on Lyra Colored Pencil Reviews
Why I Consider Lyra Colored Pencils
When I look for colored pencils, I want a balance of smooth application, rich pigment, and dependable durability. In my experience, Lyra colored pencils stand out because they often deliver strong color payoff without feeling overly waxy or brittle. I also appreciate that they tend to work well for both casual coloring and more detailed artwork.
What I Look for in Lyra Colored Pencil Reviews
When I read reviews, I focus on a few key things:
- Color intensity: I want the pencils to produce vibrant shades with minimal pressure.
- Blendability: I prefer pencils that layer and mix smoothly.
- Lead strength: I look for pencils that resist breaking during sharpening or use.
- Comfort: A pencil should feel good in my hand for longer sessions.
- Value for money: I always compare performance against price.
My Experience with Color Quality
One of the first things I notice in Lyra pencils is how the colors appear on paper. I usually find the pigments bold and satisfying, especially on smooth drawing paper. In my experience, the colors can be built up gradually, which helps me create depth and shading without forcing the pencil.
My Thoughts on Blending and Layering
I like pencils that allow me to layer colors without the surface becoming muddy too quickly. Lyra colored pencils generally give me a good amount of control here. I can blend tones for soft transitions or press harder for stronger coverage. That flexibility is important to me when I work on illustrations or coloring projects.
How I Judge Durability and Sharpening
A pencil can look great on paper, but if it breaks constantly, I lose interest fast. I pay attention to how well Lyra pencils sharpen and whether the cores hold up under regular use. My experience has been that they are usually reliable, though I still recommend using a quality sharpener to get the best results.
Comfort and Grip in My Hand
Since I often spend a lot of time drawing, comfort matters a lot to me. I like pencils that feel balanced and easy to control. Lyra pencils generally feel sturdy and practical, which makes them pleasant for both sketching and detailed coloring. If I’m working on a long project, that comfort makes a real difference.
Who I Think Lyra Colored Pencils Are Best For
From my perspective, Lyra colored pencils are a good choice for:
- Beginners who want dependable color quality
- Hobbyists who enjoy adult coloring books
- Artists who need smooth layering and blending
- Students looking for reliable everyday art supplies
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I usually consider:
- Whether I want a small set or a larger range of colors
- If I need pencils for detailed artwork or simple coloring
- Whether the set includes soft, vibrant tones or more muted shades
- If the price matches the quality I expect
My Final Buying Advice
If I want colored pencils that feel dependable, colorful, and enjoyable to use, Lyra is a brand I would seriously consider. My advice is to read reviews carefully, compare the color range, and think about how you plan to use them. For me, the best purchase is the one that fits both my creative style and my budget.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing Lyra colored pencils, I think they offer a strong balance of quality, color payoff, and smooth application. My overall takeaway is that they’re a reliable choice for artists who want vibrant results without sacrificing control or consistency. I’d recommend them especially if you’re looking for pencils that perform well for both detailed work and everyday coloring.
Author Profile
-
I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
Latest entries
- June 7, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Ashtrays That Filter Smoke Out of the Air: The Best Smoke-Clearing Picks for a Fresher Room
- June 7, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Heat Guns for Resin Art: My Top Picks for Smooth, Bubble-Free Results
- June 7, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Super Bonsai Super Recovery: My Honest Results and Why It Stands Out
- June 7, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested DIY Track Spike Covers: Easy, Affordable, and Effective Protection for My Running Shoes