I'm an art student. I've tried expensive oil pastels before — the kind that artists swear by — and the difference in quality is real. But at a certain point, I needed to be practical about my supply budget.
Someone online mentioned iCrayon as a budget alternative to Sennelier. I was skeptical. But I ordered the metal tin set anyway.
The first time I used them, I actually said "oh" out loud.
They really are that creamy. I've heard the comparison to lipstick before and always thought it was hype. But these genuinely glide. There's no drag, no waxy buildup, no fighting the paper. The pigment lays down smooth and rich.
I've been using them for my color studies and I'm not going back to my old set. I've already ordered a second color palette.
The metal tin is a nice touch too. It keeps everything organized and looks proper on a desk. Not that aesthetics matter for art supplies, but it does make the whole experience feel a little more serious.
If you're a student, a hobbyist, or just someone who wants to enjoy painting without spending a fortune — these are worth trying.