Since 1975, our Neocolor™ II Aquarelle wax pastels have won over many artists, all thanks to their rich pigmentation and versatility. And to mark its 50th anniversary, we at Caran d'Ache are celebrating by launching a special anniversary collection. Discover 15 new, unique colours, as well as our limited edition wooden box that contains 50 watercolour shades.

Half a century of Neocolor™ II Aquarelle Wax Pastels

How this Wax Pastel came to be

The Neocolor™ II Aquarelle was created at the request of artists looking for an alternative to Neocolor™ I permanent wax pastel. Renowned for its vibrant colours, but with an indelible line, this new pastel offered something a little different - a water-soluble formula. This unique texture allows creatives to play with the intensity of the line and transparency, from experimenting with dry lines to wash effects.

The chosen pastel of Artists and Creatives

Used by Picasso, Mirò, and Karl Lagerfeld, Neocolor™ II Aquarelle water-soluble wax pastel has its fair share of fans. Today, 50 years after its launch, the reputation of Neocolor™ II Aquarelle pastel continues to resonate. The unique intensity of its pigments has made it an art kit staple for many.

15 new colours for 50 years

To celebrate 50 years of our Neocolor™ II Aquarelle wax pastel, we're launching 15 exclusive colours, all divided into five themed palettes: Pop, Pastel, Lush, Portrait and Dark. Each assortment of 10 colours contains three new exciting shades.
- The Pop palette brings together bright and bold shades. From purple violet, yellow, to indigo blue, get ready to add excitement and vibrancy to your work.
- Lavender blue, peach blossom, apricot; add a little softness with our Pastel palette, with a selection of light and soothing colours.
- Our Lush palette is inspired by colours found in nature; deep greens and intenses blue bring richness and radiance to your work.
- The Portrait palette features a range of subtle pinky-flesh tones, perfectly suited to capturing the face and how light plays on skin.
- The Dark palette offers intense colours such as brown, ochre and dark garnet, ideal for creating depth, contrast and dramatic atmospheres.

Here's the colours you'll find in these sets

• 714 Amazonite


• 092 Light Heliotrope


• 881 Peach Blossom


• 591 Tyrian Pink


• 573 Rose of Garance


• 121 Light Lilac


• 812 Light Peony Yellow


• 531 Conch pearl


• 593 Light Wine Lees


• 154 Skagen Blue


• 681 Chrysoprase Green


• 246 Aucuba Green


• 526 Zinc Ochre


• 096 Dark Garnet


• 629 Caput Mortuum

Limited Edition Neocolor™ II Aquarelle 50 piece gift box

Along with our palette sets, we're also launching a limited edition set. This wooden pencil box features 50 bright and opaque shades in our Neocolor™ II Aquarelle formula. This includes the 15 brand new colours created for this anniversary. Made of light PEFC-certified beech wood, this beautifully crafted box not only includes 50 colours, but also a personalisable colour chart.
So join us as we celebrate 50 years of our Neocolor™ II Aquarelle water-soluble wax pastels!