Colouring pens – these vibrant tools have become staples in homes, schools, offices, and artist studios across the UK. Whether you’re sketching, doodling, highlighting study notes, or creating detailed artwork, there’s a colouring pen tailored for the job. With growing interest on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, people are seeking the best colouring pens for different needs, from journaling to professional illustration. On Quora, queries such as “What are the best colouring pens for beginners?” or “Which pens work best on black paper?” keep trending, showing the wide fascination.
There are multiple types of colouring pens:
Felt-tip pens: These are perfect for vivid coloring and are frequently used in schools. They come in broad and fine tips, suitable for younger children or quick doodling.
Brush pens: Popular among calligraphy enthusiasts and watercolour artists, these pens have flexible nibs that mimic paintbrush strokes. They’re now a trending topic on Meta and Pinterest, especially for hand-lettering reels.
Fineliners: These are perfect for precision work, technical drawings or adult colouring books.
Gel pens: Known for smooth ink flow and bright colours, gel pens are a favourite among students and bullet journal lovers. Neon and glitter gel pens are frequently reviewed by influencers across YouTube Shorts and X.
Alcohol-based markers: Though technically in the marker family, many consider them premium colouring pens due to their vibrant finish and blendability. Brands like Copic and Ohuhu dominate recommendation lists.
With every category serving a specific purpose, it’s no surprise that shoppers are more intentional about what to buy, often turning to unboxing videos and swatch comparisons on Instagram and TikTok to guide their decisions.
Top Brands That Dominate the Market
UK shoppers are leaning into trusted names when it comes to colouring pens, but newer brands are making waves online.
Stabilo, a household name for decades, remains a favourite, especially the Stabilo Point 88 fineliner, a go-to for students and colour-coding fans. Over on X, “Stabilo aesthetic” was a trending phrase in June 2025, thanks to viral stationery hauls.
Tombow, renowned for its brush pens, is gaining traction on YouTube among artists doing calligraphy and watercolour illustrations. Many people commend the Tombow Dual Brush Pens for their blendable ink and flexible tips.
Faber-Castell continues to impress with its Pitt Artist Pens, offering a rich pigment quality favoured by professionals. This brand has deep roots in the art world and remains relevant thanks to social proof from creators on Meta and YouTube.
Crayola, often seen as a children’s brand, has recently surged among adult audiences too. The Crayola SuperTips have become viral on TikTok as budget-friendly yet surprisingly effective for hand-lettering and journaling.
Emerging brands like Ohuhu and Arteza are becoming favourites among budget-conscious creators who want high performance without the high price tag. Their pens are frequently featured in YouTube comparisons titled “Best Amazon Colouring Pens Under £20”.
Best Colouring Pens for Specific Uses
Not all pens are created equal. Depending on the use, people ask specific questions across platforms like Reddit and Quora: “What pen doesn’t bleed through paper?”, “Which are best for planners?”, or “What pens blend well for art?” Here’s a breakdown by use case.
For Bullet Journaling:
Fineliners like the Staedtler Triplus Fineliner or Zebra Mildliners are perfect. They offer vibrant colours, precision, and minimal bleed-through – ideal for grid-lined pages.
For Adult Colouring Books:
Alcohol-based markers like Ohuhu or Copic Sketch Markers are preferred by enthusiasts due to their rich colour payoff and smooth blending.
For Children:
Crayola Supertips and Bic Kids Visa felt tips are safe, washable, and budget-friendly, with durable tips made to withstand pressure.
For Artists:
Tombow, Faber-Castell, and Winsor & Newton Promarkers offer high-quality pigment and brush tips suitable for layering, shading, and professional artwork.
For Calligraphy and Lettering:
Tombow Dual Brush Pens, Pentel Fude Brush Pens, and Kuretake Zig Clean Color Real Brush dominate the space. These are constantly reviewed in calligraphy tutorial videos and trending on Instagram reels.
What to Consider Before Buying
Choosing the right colouring pen isn’t just about colour. People often search Google for “What pens don’t smudge?” or “Which colouring pens are waterproof?” Here are the key factors to evaluate:
Ink Type – Dye-based inks offer vibrant hues but might not be water-resistant. Pigment-based inks last longer and resist fading.
Paper Compatibility – Thin paper requires fine tips and quick-drying ink. For sketchbooks or marker pads, you can opt for alcohol-based pens or brush pens.
Bleed-through Resistance – If you’re journaling or using planners, look for pens specifically labelled as “no bleed” or “low ghosting”.
Tip Style and Size – Do you need ultra-fine tips for details or broader strokes for colouring large areas? Many sets offer variety.
Lightfastness – Important for artists; lightfast inks resist fading when exposed to sunlight.
Refillability – Eco-conscious buyers now search for refillable or sustainable pen options. Brands like Pilot and Pentel offer refill systems.
Trending Colouring Pen Content on Social Media
The demand for creative content using colouring pens has exploded across platforms in 2025. Here’s what’s trending:
On TikTok:
Hashtags like #PenTest, #JournalWithMe, and #StudyAesthetic frequently rack up millions of views. Creators post swatch comparisons, daily planning setups, or speed-drawing videos with colouring pens.
On Instagram and Meta:
Stationery flat-lays featuring matching pen and notebook sets have become an aesthetic trend. Influencers tag brands and use affiliate links to share their favourite finds.
On X (formerly Twitter):
Threads showcasing “Best Stationery Deals for UK Students” or “Ranking My Favourite Colouring Pens” are gaining traction. In June 2025, “#PenObsession” trended alongside back-to-school campaigns.
On YouTube:
Long-form content like “Top 10 Colouring Pens for Artists” or “Do Cheap Colouring Pens Actually Work?” generate thousands of views. Viewers love watching ink tests, blending demos, and durability challenges.
Colouring Pens and Mental Wellness
Interestingly, the resurgence in adult colouring books during and post-pandemic has led to an increase in people searching: “Can colouring reduce stress?” or “Best pens for mindfulness colouring.”
Colouring pens are now widely associated with mindfulness practices. NHS-backed initiatives and UK wellness influencers promote colouring as a form of relaxation, using fine liners or gel pens in calming tones like pastels and muted greys.
Some therapists even recommend using colouring pens in art therapy sessions to help individuals express emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve concentration.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Options
With more UK consumers prioritising sustainability, many are asking, “Are colouring pens recyclable?” or “Which pens are eco-friendly?”
Pilot’s Bottle 2 Pen (B2P) series is made from recycled water bottles, and Pentel’s Recycology line is designed with sustainability in mind. Refillable pens, such as Lamy Safari pens with ink cartridges or Copic markers with replaceable nibs and refills, are gaining popularity.
On Instagram, #SustainableStationery has grown, with creators sharing their eco-hauls and recommending brands that align with green values.
Some online stores now let users shop using filters like “refillable”, “biodegradable packaging”, or “made with recycled plastic” to cater to this trend.
Budget vs Premium Pens
The pricing of colouring pens varies massively. While premium brands like Copic or Faber-Castell can cost over £5 per pen, budget-friendly options like Crayola, Arteza, and Amazon Basics offer full sets under £15.
Shoppers often turn to YouTube videos like “Budget Pens That Beat Expensive Ones?” or Quora threads titled “Is Copic really worth it?” to decide. For beginners, investing in a mid-range brand like Staedtler, Zebra, or Stabilo is often a smart choice.
For professionals, splurging on lightfast and refillable markers makes sense in the long run. However, newer artists are often surprised at the performance of low-cost options that go viral on platforms like TikTok and X.
Where to Buy Colouring Pens in the UK
In-store Options:
High street shops like WHSmith, Ryman, The Works, and even Tesco stock a decent range of colouring pens.
Online Retailers:
Amazon UK, Cass Art, Cult Pens, and Paperchase offer extensive selections and deals.
Specialist Sites:
For niche needs like Japanese brush pens or eco-friendly refills, platforms like JetPens and Choosing Keeping are loved by serious stationery fans.
Many sites now feature video demos, user reviews, and swatch cards, so users can make informed purchases without testing in-store.
FAQs
What types of colouring pens are popular in 2025?
The trend continues to favour two main categories: water-based fine liners and alcohol-based brush/dual tips. Water-based pens are ideal for beginners—non-toxic and washable, though they may streak and take longer to dry. Alcohol-based pens like Tombow Dual Brush, Copic, or Arteza’s EverBlend are preferred by professionals—they deliver rich, blendable, quick-drying, and often refillable ink .
Can I use colouring pens on different surfaces like canvas or ceramics?
Yes! Acrylic paint pens combine water or oil‑based pigments to write on many surfaces, including rock, wood, ceramics, and glass . If you’re working over a painted surface, ensure it’s fully dry and lightly sanded so the ink adheres well .
How do I prevent pen ink from bleeding through my paper?
Bleed-through is common, especially with alcohol-based pens. To combat this, use bleed-proof marker pads or place heavy cardstock underneath your work . Storage tip: store dual‑ended markers flat and single‑ended with tips down, to preserve ink flow .
What’s the difference between alcohol-based and water-based pens?
Alcohol-based pens dry fast, resist fading, and are perfect for blending (especially with a clear blender). Water-based pens are more affordable, less permanent, take longer to dry, and can be blended with water carefully .
What are the latest colouring pen trends on X (formerly Twitter)?
The latest buzz includes 2025’s Mildliner pastel brush pen releases, praised highly by bullet journal enthusiasts for their unique tones and quality . Metallic outline markers (like Juduna) are going viral for scrapbooking and doodles. Plus, 3D acrylic glitter pens are trending in TikTok color‑with‑me videos for eye‑catching shine .
In Summary
Colouring pens are more than just writing tools – they’re creative companions, mindfulness aids, and productivity boosters. From classroom essentials to professional art supplies, the right pen can make all the difference in your expression. As social media fuels demand and trends shift towards sustainability and aesthetic function, the colouring pen market is evolving fast. Whether you’re sketching, studying, journaling or simply relaxing, there’s a perfect colouring pen waiting to bring your ideas to life.
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