10Best.Guide

Pastel Highlighter

Top Picks

Last Updated: November, 2023
Pros
  • Wide range of colors
  • Great for crafts and coloring
  • Silky smooth glide
  • Affordable compared to Mildliners
  • Versatile and pigmented
Cons
  • Bleeds through paper
  • Some markers may be dried out
Bottom Line
These markers are a great alternative to Mildliners with a wider range of colors and affordable price. However, they do bleed through paper and some markers may be dried out.
Pros
  • Original highlighter design from 1972
  • Variety of colors
  • Does not smudge ink
  • Sheer enough to read through
  • Pigmented enough to see the color
Cons
  • Bleeds a lot of ink initially
  • May smear if used on wet ink
Bottom Line
The Stabilo Boss highlighters offer a wide range of colors and a long-lasting performance. However, they may bleed and smear initially, and the caps can dry out if left off for too long. Overall, they are a good choice for those who value variety and longevity in their highlighters.
Pros
  • Colors are pretty and less offensive than neon highlighters.
  • Easy to hold and use, don't roll around.
  • Doesn't smear pen writing after waiting a few seconds.
  • Great over lead and ink.
  • Non-fluorescent colors with a matte finish.
Cons
  • Smudges iBayam fineliners if highlighted on top.
  • Package may not come as described.
Bottom Line
These highlighters offer pretty colors, easy use, and non-smearing properties. However, they may smudge certain fineliners, bleed through paper, and cause black ink to smear. Overall, they are a good option for those who prefer less overpowering highlighters.
Pros
  • Clean appearance, doesn't skip or leave streaks
  • Light colors that are easy to read through
  • Good for use on thick, high-quality paper
  • Longevity and good size for children
  • Colors are not aggressive and don't smear
Cons
  • Orange and pink, blue and green are too close in color
  • Purple and blue make text harder to read
Bottom Line
These highlighters offer a clean appearance, good color saturation, and transparency. They are suitable for use on thick paper and are a good value for the price. However, there may be issues with color similarity, difficulty in reading certain colors, and potential drying out or slipping out of hand.
Pros
  • See-through pastel colors
  • Don't bleed on book paper
  • Good size and shape
  • Easy to use and read through
  • Multiple colors to choose from
Cons
  • Doesn't last long
  • Some markers are dry
Bottom Line
These see-through pastel highlighters are a great choice for those who want a softer and more subtle highlighting experience. They are easy to use and read through, but may not last as long as other highlighters. Be aware of the bleed-through issue on computer paper.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Pastel Highlighters

Overview

Pastel highlighters are a popular choice for adding a touch of subtle color to your notes, textbooks, and bullet journals. With their soft hues and smooth application, these highlighters can bring a unique aesthetic to your work. In this buying guide, we will explore the different types of pastel highlighters, key considerations to keep in mind, important features to look for, pricing information, expert tips, and frequently asked questions.

Types

1. Gel-based pastel highlighters: These highlighters have a gel-like consistency, allowing for smooth and precise application. They are perfect for detailed highlighting and are less likely to bleed through the paper.

2. Chisel-tip pastel highlighters: These highlighters have a broad, flat tip that makes it easy to highlight both thin lines and larger areas. They are versatile and suitable for various highlighting needs.

3. Dual-tip pastel highlighters: These highlighters feature two tips, usually a chisel tip and a fine point tip. They offer flexibility and are great for both highlighting and underlining.

Key Considerations

1. Color selection: Consider the range of colors available and choose a set that suits your preferences and needs. Look for a variety of pastel shades that complement each other.

2. Ink quality: Check for fast-drying and smudge-proof ink to prevent any smearing or bleeding through the paper.

3. Longevity: Look for highlighters that are long-lasting and won't dry out quickly, ensuring you get the most out of your purchase.

Features

1. Fade-resistant ink: Opt for highlighters with fade-resistant ink to ensure that your highlighted text remains vibrant over time.

2. Ergonomic design: Consider highlighters with comfortable grips and lightweight designs for extended use without strain.

3. Transparent barrel: A transparent barrel allows you to easily monitor the ink level, so you know when it's time to replace the highlighter.

Prices

Pastel highlighters are available at various price points, ranging from budget-friendly options to more premium brands. On average, a set of pastel highlighters can cost between $X and $Y, depending on the brand, quality, and number of highlighters in the set.

Tips

1. Test on different paper types: Before committing to a specific brand or type of pastel highlighter, test it on different paper surfaces to ensure it doesn't bleed or smudge.

2. Layering for intensity: If you want a more intense color, try layering the pastel highlighter over the text or using multiple strokes.

3. Storage and care: To prolong the life of your pastel highlighters, store them in a cool and dry place, and make sure to cap them tightly after use.

FAQs

Q: Can I use pastel highlighters on glossy paper?

A: Yes, pastel highlighters can generally be used on glossy paper, but it's recommended to test them first as some may smudge or take longer to dry.

Q: Are pastel highlighters suitable for color-coding?

A: Absolutely! Pastel highlighters can be a great choice for color-coding as they offer a softer and more subtle palette.

Q: Can I use pastel highlighters for calligraphy or hand lettering?

A: While pastel highlighters are not specifically designed for calligraphy or hand lettering, they can be used to add a touch of color to your lettering projects.

Conclusion:

With this comprehensive buying guide, you're now equipped with the knowledge to choose the perfect pastel highlighters for your needs. Consider the types, key considerations, features, and pricing information to make an informed decision. Follow the expert tips and enjoy adding a beautiful touch of pastel to your notes, journals, and more.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Pretty pastel colors
  • Light enough to not completely cover writing
  • Handy for differentiating topics
  • Aesthetic and cute
  • Doesn't smudge ink
Cons
  • Certain colors can be seen through the paper
  • Green marker may dry out quickly
Bottom Line
These highlighters offer pretty pastel colors, a thin tip for highlighting, and a variety of shades. They don't smudge ink and don't bleed through paper. However, some colors may be visible through the paper and the green marker may dry out quickly. Overall, they are a good budget option for those looking for cute and functional highlighters.
Pros
  • Wide variety of muted colors
  • Fast-drying and beautiful
  • Sheer enough to read through but opaque enough to see colors clearly
  • Pastel colors are light and can be layered for darker shades
  • Aesthetically pleasing and doesn't bleed through thin pages
Cons
  • Some shades are very similar, especially lighter pinks
  • Modern colors look dull and lack vibrancy
Bottom Line
These highlighters offer a wide variety of muted colors that are fast-drying and beautiful. They are great for color coding, annotating books, and creating aesthetically pleasing notes. However, some shades are too similar, the colors may not accurately reflect on paper, and there is a risk of bleeding through and leaving marks on the back of the page.
Pros
  • Variety of colors for organizing and color coding.
  • Affordable alternative to more expensive highlighters.
  • Bright and transparent colors that don't hide what is highlighted.
  • Long-lasting and durable.
  • Unique colors not commonly found in other highlighter brands.
Cons
  • Some highlighters feel rough against the paper.
  • Can dry up quickly if left uncapped.
Bottom Line
The Shuttle Art Highlighters offer a wide range of colors for organizing and highlighting, but they may have some issues with texture, drying out, and bleeding. Overall, they are an affordable option with unique colors not commonly found in other brands.
Pros
  • Pastel colors are easy on the eyes
  • Fine tips make underlining neat and clean
  • Inexpensive cost
  • Smooth glide with no squeaking, skipping, or smudging
  • Colors are softer and less obnoxious than other highlighters
Cons
  • Bleed through pages of book
  • Inconsistent wetness, some leak in caps
Bottom Line
These pastel highlighters are a good option for those who want a softer, less obnoxious color option for highlighting. However, they may not be the best choice for those who need to highlight over black ink or for those who want a truly muted color option.
Pros
  • Variety of colors
  • Vibrant but not dark
  • Precise tip
  • Soft and beautiful colors
  • No bleed through on thin pages
Cons
  • Bleed through on certain types of paper
  • Some colors are not as pigmented
Bottom Line
These highlighters offer a wide range of colors, precise highlighting, and no bleed through on most pages. However, they may not work well on certain types of paper and some colors may not be as pigmented. Overall, they are a good option for those looking for a variety of colors and minimal bleed through.
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