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Finding a set of colored pens that won’t smear the moment you close your journal or skip when you are on a writing roll is harder than it sounds. This guide walks you through the top options for journaling, comparing their real-world drying speeds, tip sizes, and color ranges so you can pick the pack that actually fits your writing style.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
You need a pen that matches your paper and your style — fine tips for detailed layouts, medium tips for bold notes. This roundup of the best colored pens for journaling shows you which ones give the smoothest, cleanest lines on your pages.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Colored Pens For Journaling
Picking the right journaling pen involves more than just grabbing the most colorful pack. You need to think about how the ink behaves on paper, how the pen feels in your hand, and whether the colors actually show up well on the pages you use.
Tip Size and Line Quality
The tip size directly controls the thickness of your lines. A 0.5mm or 0.45mm fine point is ideal for small handwriting, intricate doodles, and detailed planner layouts because it lets you fit a lot of text into tight spaces without looking messy. A 0.7mm or 0.8mm medium point gives a bolder, more readable line that stands out, but it takes up more room on the page.
Ink Drying Speed and Smudge Resistance
Nothing ruins a journal entry faster than smearing your work when you close the book. Fast-drying ink is crucial, especially if you are left-handed or write quickly. Look for pens that use “no-smear” or “quick-dry” technology — this feature means the ink bonds to the paper almost instantly, so you can move on to the next line or color without waiting.
Color Variety and Paper Compatibility
A good journaling set should offer enough colors to color-code your notes or accent your layouts, but avoid packs that include too many similar shades. Also check whether the pens work on dark paper if you use black journals, and make sure the ink does not bleed through thin pages. Waterproof or archival ink is a bonus if you plan to keep your journals long-term.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Tip Size | Colors | Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens★ Best Overall | Everyday no-smear writing | 0.7mm | 14 | — | Amazon |
| Pentel EnerGel RTX Chill ExpressionsSuperior Smoothness | Smooth liquid-gel blend | 0.7mm | 8 | — | Amazon |
| Ohuhu Colored Fineliner Drawing Pens | Waterproof art & illustration | 0.45mm | 11 + 7 black | 0.17 Kilograms | Amazon |
| YOXMJDB 12 Pcs Color Pens | Vintage gold aesthetics | 0.5mm | 12 | 110 Grams | Amazon |
| Shuttle Art 30 Colors Cute Journal Pens | Maximum color variety on dark paper | 0.6mm | 30 | 0.25 Kilograms | Amazon |
| 12 Colored Micro Pens 05 STANBLUE | Thin Bible paper and planners | 0.45mm | 12 | 0.12 Kilograms | Amazon |
| TUL GL Series Retractable Gel Pens | Bold metallic inks with a premium feel | 0.8mm | 8 | — | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, 14 Count
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 68,500+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The everyday champion that dries fast enough to keep your journal smudge-free.
Paper Mate’s InkJoy line solves the biggest frustration for journal keepers — smeared ink. The 0.7mm medium point (compared to a typical 0.5mm fine point) gives you a bold, readable line. The real star is the no-smear technology, which the brand says ensures fast drying. Buyers report that even left-handed writers see no smearing or smudging, with instant drying on notebook paper. That means you can flip pages or close your journal right away without ruining your work.
The ergonomic comfort grip wraps the entire barrel, making long journaling sessions more comfortable than the straight-barrel designs you get on the YOXMJDB set. With 14 assorted vibrant colors, you have enough variety for color-coded planning and decorative headers without feeling overwhelmed. The retractable closure means no lost caps, and the round body shape fits naturally in an ambidextrous grip.
One trade-off: the medium 0.7mm tip takes up more space on the page than a fineliner, so if you write very small or work in a compact planner, the line may feel a bit thick. The water-based ink is not waterproof, so a spill could run your colors, but for daily journaling on standard paper, that is rarely an issue.
No-smear workhorse: The Paper Mate InkJoy delivers the best balance of speed, comfort, and color variety for most journaling needs — backed by over 68,000 ratings at 4.8 stars.
Reach for this if: You want a comfortable, fast-drying pen that works for both notes and colorful layouts without smudging.
Look elsewhere if: You need a super-fine tip for tiny handwriting or waterproof ink for mixed-media art.
2. Pentel EnerGel RTX Chill Expressions Pack
A liquid-gel hybrid that glides across the page without any drag.
Pentel’s EnerGel RTX uses a hybrid ink that blends the best of liquid and gel formulas, resulting in a writing experience that feels noticeably smoother than the Paper Mate InkJoy or typical gel pens. The 0.7mm metal tip delivers a consistent line, and the liquid-gel ink dries fast enough that left-handed writers report no smears or smudges — a claim backed by Pentel’s internal testing against the leading gel pen brand.
The sleek barrel design with metal accents gives it a professional look, and the latex-free grip provides control without feeling sticky. At 0.5 x 0.38 x 6.75 inches, the pen is slimmer than the STANBLUE micro pens, which some users prefer for smaller hands. The retractable mechanism is convenient for quick note-taking, and the pack includes 8 colors under the “Chill” theme.
However, unlike the 14-color Paper Mate set, the 8-pen pack offers fewer color options, so if you want a very wide palette, you may need to buy multiple EnerGel packs. Some owners mention that the ink can smudge if you do not let it dry for a few extra seconds on coated paper, so it is not quite as instant-dry as the InkJoy.
Smooth operator: The Pentel EnerGel RTX is the pen to choose when writing feel matters most — the hybrid ink technology makes every stroke easy.
Best for: Writers who prioritize a silky-smooth feel and appreciate a professional-looking, refillable pen body.
skip it if: You need more than eight colors in a single pack or require a waterproof/archival ink.
3. Ohuhu Colored Fineliner Drawing Pens
The only set here with waterproof, alcohol-resistant pigment ink and multiple tip sizes.
Ohuhu takes a different approach by combining 11 colored fineliners with 7 black pens in assorted tip sizes — from 0.2mm up to a brush tip. This makes it the most versatile set for journaling that blends writing with illustration. The 0.45mm colored tips match the line size of the STANBLUE micro pens, but the Ohuhu set stands out because the pigment ink is both waterproof and alcohol-resistant. That means you can layer watercolor washes or alcohol-based markers over the lines without the ink bleeding or running.
Weighing 0.17 Kilograms, the set is lighter than the Shuttle Art 30-color pack (0.25 Kilograms), making it easier to carry in a bag. The cylindrical barrel is comfortable for extended drawing sessions, and the included brush pen adds flexibility for calligraphy-style headers. The 11 vibrant colors cover the essential spectrum without too many similar shades.
The catch is that the colored pens only come in one tip size (0.45mm), unlike the black pens which have the full range. If you primarily want colored fineliners for writing rather than drawing, the single tip size is fine, but artists may wish for more variety in the colored tips.
Mixed-media marvel: The Ohuhu fineliner set is the only pick with waterproof, alcohol-proof ink and multiple black nib sizes — ideal for journalers who also paint or use markers.
Choose this for: Sketchbooking, Bible journaling, or any project where you need permanent ink that survives water and marker layers.
Pass on this if: You just want a simple colored pen for everyday note-taking and do not need the extra black pens.
4. YOXMJDB 12 Pcs Color Pens for Journaling
A finely-tipped 0.5mm pen with a muted color palette that is easy on the eyes.
With a 0.5mm fine point — noticeably thinner than the 0.7mm of the Paper Mate and Pentel picks — the YOXMJDB pens are designed for precise, small-scale writing. Customers note that the ink flows very smooth and does not smear or bleed through paper, making it a strong option for bullet journals and planners where clean lines matter. The set weighs 110 Grams, giving it a substantial feel that helps stabilize your writing.
The vintage gold accents and muted color tones (reviewers describe them as “kind of a muted version of each color”) mean that even lighter shades like yellow remain readable on white paper — a common complaint with brighter sets. The hybrid ink technology delivers consistent flow without skipping, and the soft grip provides a silky feel in the hand. The packaging is impressive enough that buyers mention gifting these pens without hesitation.
One reviewer noted that the grip area is a straight, smooth barrel without indents, so if you are used to contoured grips like the Paper Mate InkJoy, you may find your hand sliding slightly. Also, the retractable design means no cap to lose, but the mechanism adds a bit of weight compared to capped pens.
Praised for precision
- 0.5mm fine tip suits detailed journaling and small handwriting
- Muted colors stay readable, including yellow
- Beautiful packaging for gifting
One caveat
- Smooth barrel lacks grip indents — less comfortable for long sessions
- Occasional light strokes require retracing
Perfect for: Journalers who value a fine, precise line and prefer a sophisticated, muted color palette that is easy to read.
Not ideal for: People who need ergonomic grip contours or want waterproof/archival ink.
5. Shuttle Art 30 Colors Cute Journal Pens
The biggest color selection in the roundup — 30 shades for the ultimate palette variety.
At 0.25 Kilograms, the Shuttle Art set is the heaviest pack here, but that weight comes from the sheer quantity: 30 unique colors plus 2 color charts and 2 coloring patterns. The 0.6mm fine point sits right between the YOXMJDB’s 0.5mm and the Paper Mate’s 0.7mm, offering a comfortable middle ground for both detailed work and bold lines. The premium ink is tune for both white and dark paper, so you can use it in black bullet journals as well as standard notebooks.
Reviewers point out that the colors are bold and vibrant, the fine tip is good for details, and the ink dries fast without smudging. The color-named barrel makes it easy to find the shade you need without pulling out every pen. The set also includes accessories like coloring patterns, which adds extra value for beginners.
However, some users note that the color selection leans heavily toward blues and purples, with fewer pinks, reds, and oranges. A few reviewers mentioned that some pens skip on first use each time, and one pen in the set arrived non-functional. The case also had a strong chemical smell according to one buyer. Despite these quirks, the vast color range for the price tier makes it a compelling budget-friendly choice.
Maximum variety: If your biggest priority is having every possible color at your fingertips, the Shuttle Art 30-pack delivers more shades than any other set here.
Grab this if: You want to experiment with a huge color palette on both white and dark paper without spending much.
Avoid if: You need consistent skip-free performance out of every pen or a balanced color distribution (pink/red lovers beware).
6. 12 Colored Micro Pens 05, STANBLUE
A featherlight 0.12 kg micro-pen set that glides through thin pages without bleeding.
Weighing just 0.12 Kilograms (compared to the Shuttle Art 30-pack at 0.25 Kilograms), the STANBLUE micro pens are built for portability and precision. The 0.45mm super-fine tips are the smallest in this roundup, making them the best choice for journaling in Bibles, planners, or any book with thin paper. Buyers specifically note “no bleed on thin Bible pages,” which is a strong vote of confidence for anyone worried about ink showing through to the other side.
The waterproof, archival pigment ink means your journal entries will not fade or run if they get wet — a feature shared only with the Ohuhu set in this list. The set includes 12 vibrant colors (blue, black, red, green, yellow, orange, brown, pink, purple, gray, turquoise, navy), covering the basics without overwhelming choice. The micro tips provide precise control for underlining, zentangle, and detail filling.
One limitation is the single tip size — at 0.45mm, it is excellent for fine work but not suited for bold headers or large swaths of color. Compared to the Ohuhu set, which offers multiple tip sizes in black, the STANBLUE set only has one fixed tip. But for pure fineliner work on delicate paper, it is the most reliable option.
Bible-safe fineliner: The STANBLUE micro pens are the lightest and finest-tipped set here, with waterproof ink that does not bleed through thin sheets.
Ideal for: Bible journaling, compact planners, and anyone who needs a waterproof, no-bleed pen for very thin paper.
Not for: Writers who prefer a bolder line or need varying tip sizes for headers and illustrations.
7. TUL GL Series Retractable Gel Pens
Bold, metallic colors that pop on paper with a grip that keeps you in control.
The TUL GL Series stands apart with its 0.8mm medium point — the widest tip in this roundup — and its unique metallic ink colors (gunmetal, green, rose gold, blue, pink, violet, sky blue, champagne). These are not typical standard colors; the metallic finish adds a sheen that catches light, making headers, doodles, and journal accents stand out. Shoppers say these are the best metallic pens they have tried, with smooth flow, no skipping, and vibrant colors.
The textured grip provides a comfortable feel and control, which is useful since the 0.8mm tip requires a steady hand for precise work. The stainless-steel clip lets you attach the pen to a notebook or pocket securely. The ink is designed to resist fading and smearing, and while no ink is truly instant-dry at this line width, buyers confirm that it holds up well over time without smudging under normal use.
The main trade-off is the tip size — at 0.8mm, it produces the thickest lines here, which may not suit fine-detail journaling. The 8-pen count is also on the lower side, matching the Pentel set but offering fewer colors than the Paper Mate or Shuttle Art packs. The metallic finish is also less readable on dark paper compared to standard gel inks.
Metallic standout
- Unique metallic colors that add sparkle to journal entries
- Textured grip offers excellent control for a wide pen
- Fade-resistant and smear-resistant ink
Consider this
- 0.8mm tip produces thick lines — not for tiny handwriting
- Only 8 colors in the pack
- Metallic ink can be harder to see on dark backgrounds
Choose this for: Adding a touch of metallic flair to your journal headers, gift tags, or creative projects where a bold, shiny line is the goal.
Pass on this if: You write very small, prefer fine-tipped pens, or work primarily on dark paper.
Understanding the Specs
Tip Size (mm)
The tip size determines how thick your writing lines will be. A 0.5mm or smaller tip is good for small handwriting, detailed doodles, and compact planners. A 0.7mm tip gives a bolder line that is easier to read from a distance but takes up more space. The 0.8mm tip on the TUL pen is the widest here and is best for accent writing rather than everyday note-taking.
Ink Type and Drying Speed
Gel ink is the standard for vibrant color, but drying speed varies. “No-smear” or “quick-dry” versions use a formula that bonds to paper faster. Liquid-gel hybrid inks (like Pentel EnerGel) combine the smoothness of liquid ink with the vibrancy of gel. Pigment-based inks (like Ohuhu and STANBLUE) are waterproof and archival, meaning they resist fading and water damage over time.
FAQ
Which tip size is best for bullet journaling?
Do these pens work on dark or black paper?
How do I prevent colored pens from bleeding through thin journal pages?
Are any of these pens refillable?
What is the difference between gel ink and pigment ink for journaling?
Can left-handed writers use these pens without smudging?
How many colors do I really need for basic journaling?
Are these pens safe to use in Bibles or thin-paper books?
Do any of these pens come with extra accessories or color charts?
Which pen set has the best ergonomic grip for long writing sessions?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the colored pens for journaling winner is the Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens because it combines fast-drying no-smear ink, a comfortable ergonomic grip, and 14 vibrant colors at a price that is tough to beat. If you want a smoother, more luxurious writing feel, grab the Pentel EnerGel RTX Chill Expressions Pack. And for mixed-media artists who need waterproof, alcohol-resistant ink with multiple nib sizes, the Ohuhu Colored Fineliner Drawing Pens are the clear choice.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, WellFizz earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.