Which is Better - Lyra Aquacolor or Neocolor 2?

Today, we are comparing the Lyra Aquacolor Crayons to the Neocolor 2 crayons so that you can decide which is best for your art budget.
Lyra Aquacolor Crayons:
Amazon - amzn.to/3p7GR1n
Blick Arts - shrsl.com/3eakz
Necolor II Crayons
Amazon - amzn.to/3h2WLpD
Blick Arts - shrsl.com/3eal4
#adultcoloring #neocolor2 #lyra #adultcoloringsupplies #artsupplies
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Until next time, stay Colorfully Optimistic!

[@tinekebak7142]

I've had Lyras a while and recently tried some neos. I find the Lyras more transparent vs more opaque neos. Like watercolour vs gouache. I like the clear, pure colours of the Lyras better than the slightly milky, creamy heaviness of neo 2s. It's a personal preference. To my mind they both dissolve well. It's a matter of not squashing the tooth of the paper by heavy pressure, just like with inktense. Good to see Lyra Aquacolors get more attention. They deserve it. I love them.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes the Lyra def has more transparency. The colors do wash out a bit more, but still they held up good considering how much you pay for them. I did feel on this paper (at least) there were some areas the Lyra didn’t dissolve and I wasn’t using hard pressure, but it could have been the paper too.

[@DieterPrivate]

Yup, Neocolor II is a gouache. Using both together can give some interesting results. Also, because of being more gouache, they work very well on cheap Amazon paper, as they need less water to activate. To be fair, I would not see them as the same, they are really different, watercolour Vs gouache, and having both is the actual win, depending on your likes, as sometimes you want more of a watercolour effect, which you can't really achieve with the Neocolor.

[@clairewalters8238]

Great study of neocolor and Lyra. Thanks Kori. Much love & *Virtual hugs* XXX

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Awe ty

[@bfamiliar9011]

Keep up the amazing job with these types of videos. I've learned so much from your channel. Keep up the hard work and have a lovely afternoon.💕🎨

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Awe ty so much! You're so kind

[@dessertcomes1st]

Found this so helpful! I lust for the Neocolor 2 but decided to start with the Lyra which I’m already happy with. Thanks for this comparison!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Lyra is totally fine! They're great

[@sonyaoart]

Great comparison! The Lyra don’t look shabby at all, but I’d probably still go for the Neocolor

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yea if you don't have Neo then Lyra are ok. But if you have Neo the Lyra don't make much sense

[@brackalack1]

I got the neocolour 2 in the 30 set when they were on sale and just add a few now and then when I see a colour I want. They are amazing. I didn't feel the Lyra were cheap enough to buy them as an experiment just to see if I liked them, they're still fairly dear. Even if you get one of rhe smaller set of the neocolour 2, they disolve way better, you know the lightfastness ratings, can buy them open stock and they last forever. You won't outgrow them. Thanks for the review it was really interesting seeing them side by side. 🖍 🖍 🖍

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Oh yeah, the Neo2s are worth it. But, for those on a budget, at least they can try out the Lyra or those that don't need lightfast ratings for commissioned work.

[@yazosoyo]

Hi Kori, I hope you’re feeling better and well into recovering. Great video! I have a set of 24 Lyra Aquarelle that I bought just to dip my toe into water soluble crayons. It’s the largest set available here in Mexico. I have not been disappointed at all and they were quite cheap. I might get a few Neos II open stock to compliment what I already have. Alena from Coloring with Alena has an interesting video on which Neos II she uses the most and why, so she weeds out from her larger set only 30 something colors.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

They are DEF affordable and great for the cost. Yeah, the open stock Neos are a good idea,because the sets you may not use all the way and with them so pricey, you definitely want to get what you pay for and be able to use it.

[@carolberres5528]

Thank you for the comparison video, and the mini demo on using them for backgrounds. I definitely need to get my neo’s out! Beautiful pictures😀

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Neos are fun!

[@AlexisCassandraArt]

Nice!! The neocolors are so gorgeous and vibrant. I know they are expensive but I’d like to get my hands on them eventually!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

The Lyra are good if you don't have Neocolor2 but if you do, they're just no point getting the Lyra

[@allie5755]

Thanks for the review. I especially love that you took the time to do a demo.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I feel a demo is necessary when comparing products because swatches only do so much

[@stefanienapolitan8850]

Thanks for the comparison of the two products. Both are beautiful, but they each provide a different effect. I would like to see the Mungyo. I have the 40 count of the Neo Color 2s, but I haven’t had a chance to use them yet, and I have been a little unsure of myself to try. You and Erica make it look so easy. I definitely plan to try them out on a background this month. They seem to blend pretty well☺️.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes I do plan to compare mungyo

[@phillipstroll7385]

I've heard mungyo are better than the neocolor 2

[@ginetteregimbal4882]

Love the “active” approach. Bravo!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Oh thank you! Just wanted you guys to see them in action and know what I was talking about when there were things I noted.

[@carolynpicken6949]

Great review, I have had the Lyra for many years. Looking at both backgrounds, they are distinctly different, each one looks great. Also Debi just did a review on Shuttle art watercolor crayons, they are u def $20 and remarkably good. Thanks for giving a thorough honest review.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes those shuttle arts are gel crayons. They're just a little different than these. But also a great, affordable option

[@sarahdescoteaux1840]

I have the Lyra's and have been pleasantly surprised by them. I have never tried the neo colors

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

the Lyras really aren't bad what-so-ever. The Neos are stronger in color and lightfast, but for adult coloring, go for Lyra!

[@tiffanybrantley2271]

I really like the way you did this comparison. Thanks for doing this!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Oh ty so much! I hope it was helpful

[@nancyflaherty7038]

Thank you for such an informative lesson!!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Of course!

[@DanniGeee]

Hey Kori! Thank you so much for doing this comparison…it was fun to watch! I wanted to mention one thing and ask one…here goes: I believe the lightfast ratings for Caran d’Ache are higher “bands” than other companies. As an example, the FC Polychromos and Durer lines also use a 3-star system, but the length of time their LFII spans is less than that of a Pablo or Supracolor. So even a Neocolor II with a LFI rating may be more lightfast than a similar product listed as LFIII, if that makes sense? (I spent a LOT of time researching lightfastness not too long ago. Clearly it has wrecked the two remaining brain cells I had left…) Having said all of that, here’s my question for you: Would you consider throwing some Gelatos into the mix of water soluble “crayons” next round? Also, after all of the talk about lightfastness (especially with regard to Faber Castell), I have NO CLUE how lightfast gelatos are at all. I’ve always sort of lumped them into the “mixed media” category in my mind, and haven’t even considered comparing them to Neo IIs, now that I think about it. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Please forgive me…apparently between the beginning of this post and now, one of those two brain cells left the premises… Thank you again for all you do, Kori! I love your content and really appreciate how hard you work to put out really great videos. 🤗

[@kelsey5032]

Interesting! I’m curious about the gelatos too :)

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes,so when you compare the ratings, you have to see what their LF1 means in terms how many years that gets you. That said, I always say lightfast on anything water soluble is iffy,because it really does depend on how much you water it down.So,I do plan to compare gelatos, but to other gel crayons because they are a gel crayon and not a water soluble pastel like Neocolor 2, Mungyo, etc. But, I do plan to talk about Gelatos :)

[@DanniGeee]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic Ahhh…I gotcha, Kori! I wasn’t thinking about the difference between wax and gel. I was lumping everything BUT watercolor pencils as “water soluble,” independent of base. But that said, my subconscious must be where you’re at, since it never occurred to me to incorporate the Gelatos in my “regular” supplies. As for your comments about water and the LF ratings, I agree a million percent! I *also* worry about different minerals, ph level, and other factors that are part of our “regular” water supply (different components in different locations), and what THAT does to art products. Where we live, there’s really “hard” water; the mineral deposits are so high that many people have additional filtration/mitigation systems (like water softeners, etc). But then you’re hitting the slippery slope of “environmental factors” outside of UV Lightfastness (various pollution issues, environmental factors, etc)…which, aside from being concerning for, you know, PEOPLE, seem like they could make LF ratings obsolete…along with the money we’ve poured into all those extra-pricey LF products. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I know some people use distilled water for.art, but it’s not practical if your primary medium is, say, watercolor painting. It’s an interesting conversation for sure (if not a bit depressing…) Kori, I’m not familiar with Mungyo pastels that are water soluble. I know they make hard “chalk” style pastels, but I’m not sure if that’s what you’re referring to, or if they also have a water soluble product beyond that. Also, do you ever use water soluble oil pastels? I’ve never gone down THAT rabbit hole…yet… 🤗💕

[@christinaslankard3092]

It was very fun watching. 😍

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Thank you for watching :)

[@tinniaphillips4059]

I just got done watching color me stress free with her doing a watercolor back ground and now i am watching this video. Now i can't decide on what i want to try first on a background lol. So i guess i have no other choice but to buy both. Watercolors and the neo. Thank you so much for being an inspiration to me. 😊✌

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

LOL when in doubt do both! :)

[@TheCasey0811]

Great comparison video! I would love to see what you do with those butterflies.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I am outlining them in white but it's not going well lol

[@TheCasey0811]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic Oh no! I’m sure it looks beautiful, you are very talented! Maybe that would be a good video to do since I can’t seem to find any lol.

[@jax738]

I was working on a few things but I used a couple up in a little over a week but they were pretty big projects so I love the Neo color 2 but I think 🤔 I’ll try the lyra ones soon

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I do love my Neos but at least the Lyra can hold up ok in comparison

[@maryjordan7649]

I bought the neocolor set last year for a little over seventy dollars. Used once but now I'll feel better using them. Nice colors.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Hopefully you use them more!

[@CreatingCuteArt]

I loved the Lyra blues, turquoise and greens but that isn’t news with me 😂🤣 I did really like the silver case, too! My Neocolor II crayons are still a favorite in my studio 🤗❤️🤗

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I too love blues and turquoise colors! So I hear ya.

[@valeriemartin3506]

Thank you so much for the comparison. I really like that palette that you used to mix colors...that cool. I have always just held rhe crayon in one hand and rubbed my water brush on the tip of the crayon to pick up the color. I am definitely gonna be picking up one of those palettes for sure!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Oh yes, it is the Caran d’ache palette. I use it all the time.

[@darlastitz6767]

I would love to see a rebuff the Sargent Art water soluble crayons, not that I need them because I already have the 84 set of Caran dache and the 48 set of Lyra but I really do like using the water soluble crayons, lol.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I actually bought the Sargent Arts to do a comparison :)

[@elliott4570]

This was a very good comparison of the two brands. I realized after seeing this video listed that I actually have that Lyra set that was gifted to me some time ago. I also have a set of 30 of the Neocolor 2 set… I haven’t used them in a long while… you got me inspired to get back into using them… thanks!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Oh yay! Yes, def give them both some love.

[@pixiesprojects]

Very informative! Thanks for sharing!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Of course! Thank you for watching

[@Iamwithspirit]

These Neo 2 crayons might give us both lots more fun doing backgrounds! 🎉❣️👍🏼

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Oh yes, they are great for backgrounds!

[@bethmegansmith4642]

Love your video very helpful i have the Neocolor 2, 40 set .I desire the 84 set .Thank you Happy Crafting xxx

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

The 84 set is nice, but you could also just buy open stock the colors you're missing from the other set that you want to use so that you dont have tons of crayons not being used.

[@bethmegansmith4642]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic openstock is more Exspensive , here in UK Across the pond xxxxxx

[@influencedcolorist]

Thank you, this was very helpful! I need more practice with my neo 2’s.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

They do require some practice but once you get them down it's a lot of fun

[@doodlerobot42]

Very informative. Thank you. 👽🖖

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Ty for watching!

[@Keniv.]

Hi Kori, I love your videos and I’m sorry I don’t comment much. I really enjoyed this comparison between the Lyra Aquacolor and my personal favorite the Neo ll’s. I was told once by a very wise friend to always buy the best you can afford, and I do. While I was watching you putting the Neo ll’s on the paper, it reminded me of something I have always wanted to try, I would love to be able to put the Neo ll’s all over the picture except if it were a portrait, and not worry about going over the lines! Take for instance, the butterflies on your page, would you be willing to see if you could use colored pencils for details on one of them, if you would rather not, I will try it and let you know if it works. Thank you for your videos Kori.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Oh, yeah you can shade on top of the Neo after it is activated and dries.I have done it before. Works just fine :)

[@Keniv.]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic Thank you Kori, that makes me happy lol.

[@Keniv.]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic Kori, one more thought…I have never had the need nor the desire to sharpen my Neo ll’s. Have you ever and why? Thank you so much!

[@bloominhappy9149]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Of course!

[@cazkiwinz4300]

I too have the Neo 2s 40 set... which I researched for 2 months solid before buying... swatching and then have not touched since... March last year when I got them... almost too scared cos I wanted them so much 😂😂😂 (Plus I can’t draw ...)

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Just break them out and play! That's the best way to learn them

[@jeanthompson1135]

Amazon in Canada has the Neocolor II for over $1,000.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Holy moly!

[@tonjacolors]

I just bought my first Neo2 to experiment. This was helpful before I got too far down the rabbit hole. 😅 Glad to know they are worth the investment. Thank you! (And by the way, i accidentally hit the “dislike” button. 😱 I fixed it quickly but I hope you didn’t get a notification that made you feel bad. This is definitely a helpful well-done video!)

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Haha all good. Sometimes when I go to "heart" a comment I accidentally click the thumbs down because it is right next to it, and have to fix it, but always worry someone gets that message. Eeek!

[@tonjacolors]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic yes, exactly. They’re so small and close together! Have a great day!

[@lisalisa8486]

FYI- my set of Lyras have the lightfast ratings inside the lid of the tin. I bought mine several years ago.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Interesting. Mine didn't.

[@marcwheeler4406]

I have a small set of neocolor 2 but I'd like to get a bigger set evidently set to supplement it...its just on my lottery bucket win list...tho...lol mikelle art mom..👩‍🎨✍🎨

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Just buy the colors you would use the most open stock and build up

[@nattyw495]

Enjoyed review learned alot is there a way you can find out all the colors of the neo 2 i have the 40ish set but id like to add colors in set but am unsure how to build up newer colors if there was say a picture i can of names id like to do thar... ...mikelle art mom✍👩‍🎨🎨

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes, so you can find a full chart here of the colors, and even the sets they come in so you can compare which aren't in your 40 set. www.creativeartmaterials.com/color-charts/Nuancier-Neocolor-II-2017.pdf

[@LaraCroft2169]

I would like to see a completed picture with the Lyra

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

So I did one page with Lyra and one with Neocolor2 in this video. Do you mean after I have finished coloring it in?

[@jeanthompson1135]

What about the Myungo? I have the 36 set. Lyra 24 is almost $50. in Canada

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Those are on my list next don't worry 😁

[@phillipstroll7385]

Which is better, neocolor 2 or mungyo water soluble crayons. I've heard mungyo are much much better than neocolor 2.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

So, I think I'll move that up on my list of videos to make. Personally, I would not say Mungyo are better than Neocolor 2, but it also depends on what you are using them for. Neocolor 2 have GREAT lightfast ratings, very pigmented color, and a great range of colors. So, if you are doing commissioned artwork, they are going to be what you want to go with. Mungyo are more budget-friendly for sure, but they don't have the lightfastness, and definitely not the color range. They have the pearlescents, but the shimmer sort of fades once you activate them.

[@marketatlusta761]

Do they weigh the same as well? I have mungyo crayons and some neocolor 2 ;)

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I plan to compare those as well. Weight is a great idea! I'll def weigh the next set

[@nikcoloring]

Hi!!! Love your work!! I want to buy this neocolors II but I’m confused on which one to buy , the water soluble wax crayon?? or the one your using??? I want them for background. If you can help me with the difference between both, I will appreciate.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I do have links in the description so that you can make sure they are the right ones, but yes the Neo 2 are the water soluble pastel crayon.

[@LindaLearnstoColor]

I purchased the Sargent Art 24 set last fall because they were on sale for $11 I haven't used them yet though and not expecting them to be anything near as pigmented as the Lyra & Neo Colors but I thought at that price why not give them a go.😄I can practice with them. Now I want to pull out my Sargent Art and Neocolor II. I admit right now I am a collector of art/coloring supplies but will use all my beautiful mediums one day. I have plans. I just wish I had the space. Right now I use a folding t.v. tray type table and at times it's frustrating with things rolling off and/or falling off 😂 That's why I love going to coffee shops, there's space, bright lights to see, and all I have to do is buy an Americano 😊 Anyway, all that to say I'm just going to pull them out anyway and play around with them. Have a lovely day 🌺🌻🌼

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I do have the Sargent arts, staedtler too. Plan to compare them as well. 😃

[@LindaLearnstoColor]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic Nice, I can't wait.

[@LaraCroft2169]

Did the reverse side of the page survive ?

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Of course. These don't bleed

[@aliciadanowski245]

I don't know why you and others keep calling these oil pastels crayons. They are not crayons. Crayons are for children the oil pastels are for artists.

[@aliciadanowski245]

Forgot to say, oil pastels are oil, crayons are wax. They will act differently.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I call them "crayons" because they are marketed, including by Caran d'ache, as "artists' crayons" and it is just more recognizable part of their branding name.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Also, Neocolor II are wax/oil pastels - not traditional oil. It is really important to understand that because they don't react the same as traditional oil pastels.