Ohuhu has built a reputation for offering affordable alcohol markers that appeal to beginners and hobbyists. The 24 Skin Colors set is a targeted addition to their lineup, aiming to provide a dedicated palette for portrait and figure artists. Unlike general-purpose marker sets that include a few skin tones among a rainbow of colors, this set goes all-in on flesh hues, offering a range of shades from pale to deep. But does a dedicated skin tone set make sense for most users? We take a closer look at what this set offers, where it falls short, and who might benefit from it.
The markers themselves are dual-ended, with a slim broad chisel tip on one side and a fine point on the other. The broad tip is useful for filling in larger areas like cheeks or arms, while the fine tip allows for details such as facial features or hair strands. The barrels are slim, which might be more comfortable for those with smaller hands, but artists with larger hands may find them less ergonomic for long sessions. The caps snap on securely, and the color numbers are printed on the caps for quick identification. The set comes in a plastic case that doubles as a stand, though it’s fairly basic and may not hold up to heavy travel.
In practice, these markers perform similarly to other Ohuhu alcohol markers: they lay down smooth, even color and blend reasonably well with each other. The ink is alcohol-based, so it dries quickly and is less likely to cause paper warping than water-based markers. However, the blending experience is not as seamless as with higher-end brands like Copic or even Prismacolor. The colors tend to dry fast, leaving less time to work them into the paper, which can result in streaky transitions if you’re not quick. For beginners, this might be a hurdle, but with practice, it’s manageable.
One of the main limitations of this set is the lack of variety in undertones. While there are 24 colors, they lean heavily toward warm and neutral tones, with few cool or olive undertones. This means that for characters with very specific skin tones—such as cool, pink-based complexions or deep, cool browns—you may need to supplement with markers from other sets. Additionally, the darkest shades are not as deep as some artists might need for very dark skin; the range stops short of a true black-brown, so you may need to layer or mix to achieve the desired depth. This is a common trade-off in affordable marker sets, where pigment load and color range are often compromised to keep costs down.
Compared to buying individual skin tone markers from a premium brand, this set is a budget-friendly alternative. For the price of two or three Copic markers, you get 24 colors. That makes it an attractive option for those who are just starting out or who want to experiment with portrait coloring without a significant investment. However, if you’re a professional artist who relies on precise color matching and flawless blending, the limitations in color range and blendability might be frustrating. In that case, investing in a higher-end brand or supplementing with a few key colors from a professional line could be a better strategy.
Who is this set for? It’s well-suited for beginners and intermediate artists who are exploring portrait drawing and want a dedicated set of skin tones without spending a lot. It’s also a good choice for hobbyists who enjoy coloring books or occasional illustrations. The slim design might appeal to younger users or those with smaller hands. On the other hand, it’s not ideal for professional illustrators who need a full spectrum of skin tones with consistent blending, nor for artists who prefer a brush tip for more expressive strokes. The lack of cool undertones and very deep shades also makes it less versatile for creating diverse characters without additional markers.
In terms of real-world usage, these markers work best on marker paper or smooth Bristol board. On thinner paper, they will bleed through, so a protective sheet underneath is essential. The ink is not refillable, which means once a marker runs dry, it must be replaced. That’s a common drawback of budget markers, but it’s worth noting for those who use markers frequently. The fine tip holds up reasonably well if you don’t press too hard, but like many fine tips, it can fray over time with heavy use.
Overall, the Ohuhu 24 Skin Colors set is a practical, affordable option for artists who want to focus on portraits without buying a large general set. It has clear limitations in color range and blending performance, but for the price, it delivers decent results. If you’re just starting out or want a supplemental set for skin tones, it’s worth considering. If you need professional-grade results, you’ll likely outgrow it quickly.
