The Best Pastel Highlighters for 2023

Many people prefer versatile highlighting because it can use thick or thin lights to highlight text in journals, books, modules, and other documents. In such cases, the suitable pastel highlighters frequently come with chisel nibs, and a variety of pretty outstanding shades can help do the job even better.

But, with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best pastel highlighter? This post will include some high-quality pastel highlighters that I’ve already used on a variety of creative projects and personal notes.

When choosing the right pastel highlighter, there is also a comprehensive buying guide. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Pastel Highlighter Reviews

1. Stabilo BOSS Original Pastels Highlighters

Ever since I were young, Stabilo pastel highlighters are already a hit to students and office workers. I think this is due to its classic design and ability to give your project a subtle yet fashionable look. This brand is unquestionably one of the trusted ones. In my experience, highlighters made by this brand did not fail me even once.

The reason why I buy this marker is because I like its classic, subtle and stylish look. Whenever I need to draw lines of different thickness, and need to highlight texts of distinct sizes, I use this highlighter. Its anti-dry-out technology feature makes this marker a standout too.

I don’t have to worry if I’ve forgotten to put the marker’s cap back on. I am amazed that it does not dry out even if you leave it without its cap for 4 hours. That alone is already a very convincing feature that makes this highlighter a great choice. Indeed, its tip is capable of lasting for an extended period.

Also, since this marker is designed as water-based, it is safe enough to use. it won’t cause any hazard to health. Even if my younger sibling plays with it, I am confident that she won’t get harmed as this marker is toxic-free. The set comes with six stylish and subtle pastel colors.

With a very budget-friendly price, I always make sure that I have this wonderful marker with me all the time. This item also makes an ideal gift to someone who loves to read, draw and write. It surely unleashes the artistry skills in you. I have no problem marking the important texts and quotes whenever I read my favorite books as well.

One minor downside I have noticed on this highlighter is its tendency to slightly bleed through on standard lined notebook paper. Thankfully, it does not mess up on heavier types of paper. To avoid this, I use this marker with extra care.

2. PILOT FriXion Light Pastel Erasable Highlighters

With lots of pastel office supplies sold on the market at present, I find it overwhelming which one to pick. Whenever I see many options to select from, I wish I could get them all. Just like these light pastel highlighters, my heart melts just by seeing their wonderful colors. This brand is a great pick since it has been in the business for many years.

I picked this highlighter because of its capability to mark subtly and erase neatly. This is thanks to its thermo-sensitive ink formulation. Since it does not promote wear and tear, it can re-mark and erase without causing any taint or damage to my documents and books. So, unlike other available options, this won’t damage my most precious books.

This marker comes with a soft chisel tip, and it is highly recommended for bullet journal spreads. It allows me to write and compose without any fear, since I can instantly erase something just in case. Pilot is a second to none brand when it comes to office or school supplies. In my life as a student, I always get the perfect pen from this manufacturer.

Another impressive thing I observed about these light pastel markers is that since they are erasable, they don’t bleed through thin papers. So, even if I highlight some verses in my Bible, I can be guilt-free that it doesn’t get damaged. Yes, the color dries on top of the marked verses, but this highlighter does not obscure the marked verses. The words are still readable.

However, one thing I do not like about this marker is that it gets a bit pasty over the text on your paper when it gets dry. Luckily, this isn’t a serious concern since it is capable of executing its highlighting job. I think that is what matters the most after all.

3. Bic Pastel Highlighter Grip Pens

These pastel highlighter pens are designed with a ridged rubber grip to ensure more comfort and even-handed writing. The manufacturer designed them with a modular chiseled nib that could mark with chunky bold lines, or underscore with finer control.

The kit contains four pastel colors, so I like it. In particular, I prefer pink, green, blue and yellow colors, so I bought this set. Such colors are superb in making words more prominent with impressive and high-impact solid lines. Finding the words or phrases that I marked is made easier.

These markers feature an excellent anti-drying technology. Hence, this means that they don’t instantly dry up even if left capless for a few hours. Their water-based ink formula makes them ideal to use for photocopies as well. I like their feature that showcases the hottest and trendiest colors.

Such highlighters are certainly nice investments as they are multipurpose. I can use them whenever I write, color, or draw. I am also fascinated by these markers’’ well-enhanced handling since it ensures more comfort while in use.

What is more, the handy clip is useful too. This feature makes the highlighters a lot easier to slip into my pocket or pencil case. As you can see, I can take them anywhere with me without any hassle. For the price, these are reasonably priced!

If you are just like me who prefer super convenient highlighters that are versatile to use, this item won’t let you down. Luckily, I did not have second thoughts of picking these markers in the book store where I purchased them. I also bought one for my friend who likes pastel highlighters too.

While I have no problem when it comes to the highlighting function of these markers, I find them not the best to use for thin papers like Bibles. These highlighters may bleed through, so I don’t recommend them for sensitive documents and notes.

4. TWOHANDS Pastel Highlighters

Once I saw these pastel highlighters in a book store, I immediately grabbed one for me and my sister. I think these markers are practical options that every student and office worker should have. The trendy and subtle colors would give your creative project a gentle yet fashionable look. I did not regret spending on these high-quality assorted pastel-colored markers.

I found these highlighters useful when underscoring texts that come with distinct sizes. The same goes for highlighting drawing lines that come with distinct thickness. The pastel shades make reading the words effortless. This is because the contrast from black print does not need to compete with too vibrant or too dusky a highlight color.

What makes these products a standout among other options is their fast-drying ink. This unique feature does a great job of impeding smudges and smears. I don’t have to worry about tainting my books, notes, and other documents anymore whenever I mark some words. These markers are reliable as they help me keep my notes clean and in good condition.

Even if I continuously mark some quotes and phrases in my favorite novel books, I am worry-free. I can rest assured that my most treasured books won’t end up looking messy and bleeding. I can also mark my Bible without feeling guilty. These marking pens are definitely friendly.

The bleed through on the other side of the paper is not so disturbing as with the other brands colors. I like the idea of utilizing different colors, but not to the point of being too vibrant or too dusky. Hence, these markers are perfect alternatives for me. Best of all, such items are priced just right.

I am a bit sad though that these markers ran out faster than I expected them to be. It was stated in the product description that they have huge ink storage to ensure extended highlighting function. But, I think this is the opposite. It would have been better if they lasted longer.

5. JAVAPEN rainbow pastel Highlighters

I highly recommend these pastel markers for various sorts of applications. Based from my experience, these highlighters work great for doodling, coloring books, comics’ illustration, and other notes marking applications. Since these pens are designed with light and subtle color, they won’t disturb your eyes.

By the same token, they are capable of producing see-through and radiant variety of colors. Surprisingly, unlike other pen markers, they help make the marked texts easier to read and understand. They are not prone to causing smudges and smears even on handwritten notes, newspaper print, and, computer printouts.

Thanks to these markers’ fast-drying Smearguard ink formulation, they can take care of my important notes and documents. Even if I highlight more words and phrases, my books and documents won’t appear messy and hard to read. The good grip design of this highlighter is so convenient, it does not cause any discomfort to me.

Likewise, most shoppers including me are impressed that there are more color alternatives in these markers. They even come with a gray shade. As you might already know, this can’t be easily found in other marker sets. Unquestionably, the design of the markers is stunning. I also find the bulleted look very smooth.

Since these pastel highlighters are designed as chisel tip pens, they are ideal for shading. Besides, they serve as exceptional markers in terms of underscoring and writing calligraphy. I truly adore these highlighters mainly because the chisel tips glide sleekly on the paper. There is no doubt that these marking pens are one of the most flexible options.

Be that as it may, I highly suggest that you use these markers with extra care. Otherwise, they will rip your documents or papers if you go over the same spot more than twice. Be sure to highlight texts in a subtle approach and do not press these highlighters too much.

6. ZEYAR Highlighter Pastel Markers Pens

I decided to buy these highlighter pens because I found them as first-rate in terms of standing out on all kinds of paper. The colors are intense, come with flat body, and are safe to use. Many buyers like me picked this option because of its non-toxic, acid-free, water-based and fast-drying formulation. Hence, even if young kids use them, you’ll have no worries to think about.

It’s my habit to underline important texts or quotes whenever I read books, but I don’t prefer markers that bleed through. I value my books and documents so much that I don’t want to stain them. Thankfully, these highlighters only produce minimal bleed through. I feel guilt-free using them when marking valuable points.

Additionally, I am amazed that these pastel highlighters have zero smearing on dry ink. While they come in bright colors, they accentuate my handwritten texts perfectly without seriously tainting the next page. I truly appreciate that they somehow help me in protecting my notes. This marker set is available in many different colors too.

Also, I love the comfortable build of this marker set. Designed with wide and short body, they can suit well in my pocket. I find them straightforward to hold. Their clear and simple appearance design is also appealing to the eyes. I was actually wondering how possible it is to get all these cool features at a less expensive price.

The chisel tip allows me to draw fine lines and flexible writing width. Aside from this, I was surprised to discover that these highlighters work like a charm in calligraphy handwriting. Best of all, these markers are precisely what I was searching for to perfectly mark my favorite verses in the Bible.

You won’t encounter heavy bleeding problems when using these markers. Nevertheless, the severity of bleeding might depend on the kind of paper you use. I observed that the bleeding is more evident at the end of the highlight. So, I am careful when underlining some texts in thin papers.

7. Zebra Mildliner Highlighter Pens

These Zebra pastel highlighters are proudly manufactured in Japan. They are perfect options if you prefer markers that come with cool and special color. If you are like me who love drawing, highlighting, and writing; this midliner set can be your great partner in accomplishing your projects.

Many of my friends who are into crafting, journaling, scrapbooking and stationery also prefer this highlighter pen set. Actually, since these items are popular in our school, I was also convinced to use them for my creative projects. Fortunately, I have no regrets buying them because they truly exceeded my expectations.

I think I started to become obsessed of this midliner set because the colors are definitely attractive. I have been using them for several months now. I can confidently say that they’re great investments because they work excellently to what they were designed for. They aren’t prone to bleed through papers and do not smear. As for quality, these are superb.

Another practical feature of these highlighters is that they are designed as double-sided. Moreover, they come with a wide bold chisel tip on one edge and fine bullet tip on the other end. Such markers come in an original vinyl pen case which I can re-use and carry around wherever I go.

These highlighters’ perfect shade is what exactly caught my attention. Their unique color that appears subtle on paper is simply nice to behold. I think this is why this product is well-known for countless students, office workers, and illustrators these days. They are brilliant enough but not to the point that they overwhelm me with superbly radiant fluorescence.

Even so, these highlighter pens are priced a bit expensively than other available options today. For me, this isn’t a problem considering the quality and exceptional performance you can enjoy.

8. STABILO Swing Cool Pastel

I’m a very delighted to share that these highlighters by Stabilo are precisely what I want out of highlighters. I am stunned of its pastel matte-finish and non-slip grip zone. They are aesthetically appealing and not prone to making notes and document a vibrant mess.

For me, the Stabilo swing cool pastel is highly recommended for universities and schools since it is reliable for its purpose. Its slim pocket sized design and matte finish are what make this product a famous pick for students and office workers. The set comes with 14 colors- 6 lovely pastel shades and 8 radiant fluorescent colors.

I am a bit clumsy user, but these highlighters did not fail me so far. Even if they are left uncapped for a few hours, they don’t dry up quickly. I also love their handy clips making them convenient, all set and portable to use even when you’re on the go. I am sure that you will also like the slim compact design of this water-based ink.

Plus, they are designed as pen-shaped, so that makes them easy and comfortable to hold. These highlighters come with a slanted tip with two line widths. Hence, they are ideal for users with small handwriting. As for the caps, they are not so tight compared to other regular fluorescent markers.

Above all, they are lightweight, so you won’t feel any inconvenience carrying them around with you. I am happy with my purchase because they are the right solution for my highlighting projects. Luckily, they don’t extremely bleed through to the point that they’re ruining my papers.

For all that, my only complaint is that the yellow color isn’t a good match to the body of the highlighter since it’s more of a muted pastel yellow. The original color is still slightly bright, particularly if compared with other colors.

9. STAEDTLER 364 CWP6 Textsurfer Pastel Highlighters

These pastel highlighters by Staedtler are certified chart-topping. The set includes a broad array of nine pastel colors besides the black one. I like the colors since these look unique, and aren’t prone to causing serious spillage and ghosting. These items are a must-have for office workers and school use.

I find these highlighters very straightforward to use. Their pocket-friendly price tag is what also makes them an absolute steal. Best of all, these do not smudge the rear portion of the page. I prefer highlighters that are sleek to utilize, so I chose this set. The pastel colors are working excellently which is just right for my projects.

Apart from that, the vintage and pastel colors are also ideal for hand-lettering and coloring. These items are practical for coloring large areas and marking some important texts too. Designed as refillable, these pastel highlighters are built with huge ink storage that can ensure extended highlighting performance.

I am also fascinated with how sleek these highlighters glide whenever I use them. The chisel tip is flawless in underscoring some words in textbooks. The colors guarantee very clear visibility of the highlighted texts. I was wondering how it is possible for them not to fade away with time like the sketch. I am really happy that I came across these pastel highlighters.

Since I love traveling too, I find these highlighters perfect for my hobbies. They are designed as airplane-safe. They are manufactured with auto pressure equalization feature that helps in warding off leak on board aircraft.

All the same, these highlighters aren’t perfect just like other options out there. They leave slight smudges on inkjet prints; nonetheless, I personally don’t find this a very serious concern so long as they don’t cause any severe damage to my papers.

10. YISAN Highlighter Marker Pens

I already have other highlighters made by different brands, but I still want to try other options. So, I came up with Yisan highlighters. Surprisingly, these items are sold at a very budget-friendly price, but they work exceptionally for their purpose. I realized that it is unnecessary to spend more on high-quality pastel highlighters.

Similar to other more expensive options, these highlighters are designed with fast-drying feature. I am ecstatic to discover that the Smearguard ink feature of these items is great for inhibiting smudges and smears. That means I don’t have to worry about getting my notes and documents tainted with damaging ink.

Highlighting the valuable texts whenever I read and study is no sweat anymore. I think this is the best catch about these highlighters. Many students like me choose this brand because the pastel highlighters come with water-based formulation that makes them safe to use for everyone. You can even allow young kids to play with them without worries.

Not to mention, this set includes see-through and brilliant colors that ensure a more excellent highlighting performance. The six pastel colors included in this kit are exactly the colors I prefer. The two-line widths are useful for underlining texts that come with different sized. I also find them practical for drawing lines of distinct thicknesses.

Surely, they are a cinch to use and comfortable to hold. Unlike other highlighters out there, they won’t exhaust your hands. These highlighters are designed with bigger ink storage so that implies that they are meant for long-lasting use. Since I was looking for inkjet-safe ink, these items exceeded my expectations.

I love them because they are crisp, clean, and don’t leave messy stains on my notes. Studying and highlighting the most important texts can be done more effectively with these highlighters.

These highlighters aren’t prone to causing serious mess on documents; still and all, use them with extra caution especially on thin papers.

11. Faber-Castell FC154609 Pastel Highlighters

Faber-Castel is absolutely one of the most trusted brands if you’re looking for premium quality highlighters. This is actually the reason why I did not have second thoughts of buying this set of pastel highlighters. I like the subtle and soft colors, as they look clean and just right for my highlighting my books, planners, and journals.

I am elated to share that by using these highlighters, I did not encounter messy strokes and lines. I guess this is because these items are designed as water-based and smudge-proof. So, they allow me to mark my planner and take notes continuously without tainting them. Plus, these products are harmless to our health and to the planet as well.

The ergonomic and flat design of these items allows me to easily store them in my pencil case or pocket. They feel good in the hands whenever I use them. Unlike other highlighters that were made with merely two widths, these options allow me to play with different styles of highlighting. Hence, as for ease of use and flexibility, these are unrivaled.

The three-in-one chisel tip design is primarily meant for ensuring a more versatile writing and highlighting performance. The subtle and soft pastel colors are ideal for trendy marking and more exceptional readability. With three distinct line widths feature, I was able to enjoy a more accurate drawing, writing, and highlighting experience. Such a feature is rare to find in other available options these days.

If you’re just like me who wish to take advantage of these highlighters’ flexibility and versatility, you can grab yours now. In doing so, you, too, can experience that on your creative projects. This brand is a foolproof choice when it comes to highlighters.

I am a bit unsatisfied with the texture of the ink. This is because it seems inconsistent. The darker shades appear slightly drenched although they don’t smudge. As for the thickness, this differs from one color to another. The lighter colors are thinner, whereas the darker tones are slightly thick.

12. Writech Retractable Pastel Hightlighters

The thing I like most about these pastel highlighter pens is their one-handed operation. This connotes that I have no cap to lose or remove. Moreover, the patented seal design is best for preventing leaks. These products are designed with water-based fluorescent pigmented ink. So, they are bright, come with light-resistance feature, and are waterproof.

They come with large clips too, so I can carry them with me wherever I go. I don’t even need to worry about losing them easily because they don’t roll away. I am satisfied because they are great investments for several different uses. I can confidently highlight some important stuff on different types of papers without causing any serious smudge or stain on my notes.

Unlike other highlighter pens, these options are safe to use and do not come with strong smell. The ink is painless to wash away even on skin and clothes. I just admire these highlighters for keeping my journals clean even when they are filled with colorful marks. They are even safe to use when highlighting the verses I like whenever I read the Bible.

This set contains six pastel colors. As for the price, they won’t force you to break the bank. In my case, I was able to get top-quality highlighter pens without ruining my budget. These are affordable gift items that you can give to those who are into creative stuff. Trust me, they will find these items quiet useful as well for their school or office works.

The downside I have noticed about these highlighters is the slightly stiff chiseled tip. Since it is a bit stiff, it is a little tough to make the click. So, at first, when you’re not yet used to the highlighter, it may feel uncomfortable. Fortunately, it gets better when you continuously use it.

How To Choose Pastel Highlighters?

For you to end up buying the right pastel highlighter for your requirements, please take note of the following shopping considerations:

Ink Formula

Highlighters are designed with different ink formulation. There are those that are made as water-based which mean they are safe and dependable to use. Others use innovative technology that helps keep the ink from drying up quickly.

Meanwhile, there are options made with thermo-sensitive ink formulation. These are easy to erase, so you could prevent damages and smudges.

Availability of Shades

Different brands offer pastel highlighters that come with sets of distinct colors. This helps buyers to try out each color and figure out which shades they actually need.

Fewer shades are recommended for your basic highlighting requirements. On the other hand, those with more available shades are practical for blending and layering colors when completing your creative projects.

The Reputation of the Brand

You can surely end up with a worthwhile purchase if the brand is a trusted one. Go for manufacturers that do not fail to delight their customers with outstanding lineup of pastel highlighters.

Buying from well-established manufacturers that guarantee innovative technologies with their products, you can expect premium quality highlighters that do not get damaged easily in the long run.

Tip’s Width

If you wish to work with lines and highlighting methods that come with distinct thicknesses and style, the width of the tip must be inspected carefully.

Some highlighters are designed with one tip that comes with two widths. This enables users to craft fine strokes as well as bold lines. Some options are made with three widths.

Budget, Needs and Preferences

Consider your needs and preferences. When you carefully assess your requirements, it is essential to think about the amount you’re willing to spend for pastel highlighters.

Luckily, they are generally less expensive. Keep in mind that spending lavishly does not guarantee decent quality. Always go for quality and focus on the valuable features that would make an excellent value for your money.

Where can I buy Pastel Highlighters?

Pastel highlighters are literally everywhere, from physical stores to e-commerical sites. So either you want to go shopping and testing or conveniently order them off the internet, there are multiple options to consider:

Amazon: Of course, Amazon carries all of the well-known pastel highlighter brands in a variety of product collections. Sharpie, BIC, Pilot, Stabilo, Zebra, and many other brands are available.

Esty: We can find anything under the sun on Esty, but they seem to have a lot of highlighters in pastel colors, which is nice.

Flipkart: It carries Schneider, Stabilo, Kabeer art, and other brands. Nonetheless, their Faber Castell pastel collection appears to be the most popular with customers.

Also, pastel highlighters are available at Home Depot, Walmart, and other stores that sell writing and art supplies in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is This for?

Pastel highlighters are a must-have for students, office workers, artists, instructors, and all people of different walks of life. If you are someone like me who wishes to hone the artistic and creative skills within you, you can mix and play with these wonderful soft colors.

You can blend and layer the shades to adorn your creative projects, or craft some illustrations with fine and bold strokes and lines. Highlighter pens are safe to use for young and adults.

What are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Pastel Highlighters?

Pastel highlighters are indeed smart investments because they can offer us with several benefits to take pleasure in. In my case, these soft and cheery pastel colors are very valuable items when I highlight some important notes on my journals, books, Bible, and other documents.

Aside from all these, they serve as creative pens whenever I work on my creative projects, need to do some illustrations, or simply write handwritten notes to people I care about. As subtle as their colors are, these items are practical to use on different kinds of materials without getting too filthy with the colors.

These are great to have because they can execute the job with a neater, well-arranged, and trendy approach.

On the flip side, some highlighter pens tend to bleed through thin papers. As a result, they could cause some taint on your notes. So, you need to be extra careful when using them on thin papers. Use them gently to avoid leaving unsightly marks that could be visible on the other page.

In line with this, some options come with inconsistent ink texture. This means that they look darker, deeper, or vice versa. Some alternatives are not comfortable to the hand because they are too heavy and wide. There are highlighters that dry up sooner than expected; this is why it is necessary to ensure that they are tightly sealed after use.

Furthermore, some highlighter pens are difficult to remove when you accidentally drop them on your clothes or skin. To avoid all these, consider researching about the features, pros and cons of the product before buying one.

What are The Different Types of Pastel Highlighters?

It is true that pastel highlighters generally look identical; however, these products can be categorized by the type of ink formulation, and the style of their chisel tip.

Nowadays, there are some highlighters that vary in terms of their tip’s width that highlight in distinct sizes and thickness, and also could deliver lines.

As previously stated, the majority of pastel highlighters are designed with water-based ink formulation. This unique feature can offer sleek texture while some manufacturers offer options that are designed with innovative technology. This means that their product’s ink is not prone to drying out faster.

Meanwhile, other brands utilize thermo-sensitive ink formulation that allows the highlighter to be easily erased and not prone to causing unsightly mess.

What are The Most Popular Pastel Highlighter Brands?

There are uncountable highlighter options on the market today. Many brands are known for their superb performance and built-to-last quality. Aside from Stabilo Boss, other credible brands that you can count on include Zebra, Faber-Castell, PILOT, Zeyar, and Javapen.

Many shoppers like me compare Stabilo Boss vs Zebra midliner. Nonetheless, each manufacturer reveals their exclusive stunning specifications and downsides. This is why it is a must to research about the manufacturer first before buying one.

Go over some customer reviews, so you could pinpoint which brand can work best for your needs and preferences.

Can Crayola Supertips be Used as Highlighters?

In my opinion, Crayola Supertips won’t serve as effective highlighters. They seem not meant for functioning as highlighters since they are quite light. Additionally, when you layer on your strokes, the Crayola Supertips tend to bleed through the paper.

These items are not appropriate alternatives to midliners. You can practically utilize them for decorating bullet journals though.

How to Use?

Pastel highlighters target students, office workers and people who are into creative stuff. Using them is similar with using a common pen or marker:

Conclusion

To sum things up, with uncountable pastel highlighters sold on the market today, picking the right option can be tricky. However, just like what I’ve mentioned in this post, you have to follow your preference and evaluate the focal points when buying one.

The exhaustive product reviews I have tackled in this article unveil the upsides and downsides of the best pastel highlighters. My objective is to help you determine the outstanding options and select which set of highlighters and brand would complement your preferences and requirements.

I hope you’ll find the reviews and buying guide here a great aid in picking out the appropriate pastel highlighter for your projects.