The tools work to apply the pan pastels in a smooth efficient manner.

If you are using textural surfaces stock up on these pads. Although I use both sides and I also wash them to reuse, I want to have all the shapes available at all times. It's nice to have some fresh pads always handy for those last strokes!

This performs as no other in blending of charcoal. This has tremendous sensativity! It lays down an even layer as no other device. A stomp does not have all the positive features as this.

Way better than makeup applicators. Love Sofft Tools

These sofft tools are a must for doing my pet portraits in pastel! The quality is great and you get get into tight little spaces with the tips.

I use the larger Sofft tools for blending hard and soft pastels in underpaintings and for backgrounds. I also use them to REMOVE pastel on UArt sanded paper -- works better than any eraser and is easier on the surface grit. The smaller tools are great to use with ANY soft pastels -- apply just like you would with Pan Pastels. And, when the need arises, put the tools in a delicates wash bag and throw them in the laundry and dryer -- low heat -- works great and extends the life of the tools.

Jury is still out on this way to use them. Not using Pan Pastels, but soft stick pastels. The tools blend if the application on a grit surface already is heavy, but seem to pick up rather than blend lighter applications.