Superbly creamy with rich lustrous colour, Schmincke Extra Soft Pastels are truly exceptional. Each stick begins with only the most brilliant and permanent artists" pigments in the highest concentrations, bound together with minimal binder and no unnecessary chalks or fillers, so the pigment practically melts into the paper, making them perfect for both soft blends and the finishing layer or highlights. Schmincke pastels are so soft - they must be labelled individually, by hand! The complete range of 299 colours begins with 54 pure colours (designated "D"). From each of these pure colours come four additional shades: one with black added to the pure colour ("B") and three others with increasing additions of which added to lighten the colour ("H", "M" and the palest "O"). A range of 11 neutral greys, black, white, a cold black called "Serious Black", 13 gorgeous extra dark colours, and metallic gold and silver rounds out the palette. The pastels measure approximately 65mm long with a diameter of approximately 12mm.