This Haiya set complements the basic colours set as the former contains many colours that the other set lacks: the pinks, the light oranges, the light blues. I miss, though, having some warm whites, different tones of beige and greys. The greens in the set aren't specially pastel or macaroon and they are very similar to the ones the basic set has. This Haiya set has many of the qualities I love in the Sennelier oil pastels minus the price tag -- these Haiya soft oil pastels are buttery, creamy and the colours are gorgeous. They blend beautifully with my fingers, a blender stub or a tissue, and the colours are true to the sticks wrapping.
Unlike the basic colours set these sticks have a flat tip, not a bullet tip. This doesn't bother me as even the bullet pastels become flat with use anyway. Besides, I love using the edges for fine line work. The wrapping of each pastel stick is very pretty but it's mostly written in Mandarin. Also, unlike the basic set, they don't show the pigments or the level of opacity on them, Besides, some of the writing is tiny, and not even a magnifying glass allowed me to see what is written there.
Ain't sure whether these pastels aren't lightfast or not as there is no visible indicators on the wrapping. I've browsed the web and there seems to be an agreement among artists that these pastels have a good level of lightfastness.
I find this box packaging is an upgrade with regards to the one the vibrant colours set has, as it the former is sturdier, has glossy finish, more elegant and, therefore, more appropriate for gifting. .
The leaflet full-colour photos with the instructions is very good. No swatch chart included in this set, though.
Overall, a great set, good quality soft oils, good price and well packaged, and a perfect companion to the vibrant colour set box.
