Ohuhu’s 36 Skin-tone Portrait Colors set is a budget-friendly alcohol marker kit aimed at artists who draw faces and figures. With dual chisel and fine tips, it offers a range of hues intended for skin, hair, and shading. But how does it perform in practice? This review examines its strengths and weaknesses based on typical use.
The set includes 36 markers, each with a chisel tip for broad strokes and a fine tip for details. The colors are grouped into light, medium, and deep skin tones, with some neutrals and blush shades. The markers are alcohol-based, meaning they blend easily and dry quickly. They come in a plastic case with a clear lid, which doubles as a stand.
In real-world use, these markers are often chosen by hobbyists, students, and beginner artists who want to practice portrait drawing without spending a lot. They work well on marker paper, which is smooth and prevents bleeding. The chisel tip is useful for filling large areas like cheeks or backgrounds, while the fine tip handles eyelashes, lips, and hair strands. The colors can be layered to create shadows and highlights, though the blending requires some skill—alcohol markers don’t blend as effortlessly as watercolors.
One of the key features is the color selection. The 36 shades cover a decent range, but they lean toward lighter and medium skin tones. Deeper skin tones are present but limited; artists working on darker complexions may find the range insufficient. The markers are refillable, which is a plus for longevity, but Ohuhu’s refill inks can be hard to find in some regions. The nibs are replaceable, too, but again, availability varies.
Performance-wise, the markers are comparable to other budget alcohol markers like TouchNew or Bianyo. They lay down smooth, even color, and the fine tip holds up well if you don’t press too hard. The chisel tip can fray over time if used on rough paper. The ink is alcohol-based, so it has a strong odor—work in a ventilated area. Also, the colors may vary slightly from the caps, so it’s wise to swatch them first.
Compared to a higher-end brand like Copic, the Ohuhu markers are less expensive but also less consistent. Some markers in the set may be drier than others, and the color range isn’t as nuanced. However, for the price, they are a solid entry point. They are not suitable for professional illustrators who need precise color matching or archival quality. They are also not ideal for young children due to the alcohol content and strong smell.
Who should buy this set? It’s best for beginners, casual artists, and those on a tight budget who want to experiment with alcohol markers for portrait work. If you’re primarily drawing light to medium skin tones, this set will serve you well. If you need a broader range of deeper tones or plan to do professional work, you might outgrow it quickly. Also, if you’re sensitive to fumes, consider water-based markers instead.
In summary, the Ohuhu 36 Skin-tone Portrait Colors set is a practical choice for learning and hobbyist use. It has limitations in color range and consistency, but it delivers acceptable results for the price. It’s not a replacement for high-end markers, but it doesn’t pretend to be.
